- photo by Susan PageThe phrase "Rest in peace" originates from the Latin, "Requiescat in pace", which when translated means, “May he/she rest in peace." This expression was commonly used in Christian prayers and on tombstones. These words are sometimes prayed with sincere hope that the departed soul has found their final rest and peace with the Lord.

I’ve been pondering some questions since listening to a great sermon on the topic of rest:

• Must we wait until we pass from life into death to find that sweet rest with our Lord?
• Can we be at rest when we are constantly bombarded with instant information?
• Where do we find rest when so many demands are placed on our time and energy?
• Physical rest is one thing, but how do we calm our minds and spirits, to find the inner rest our souls so desperately need?

When I’m thinking through questions, particularly after hearing a good sermon, I like to take a walk. In part, this is a form of rest for me because it lifts my spirits.

It was a pleasant sunny afternoon, and something caught my attention as I rounded a bend. There, high in the shady branch of a tree, lay an adorable raccoon, sound asleep. He awoke as I snapped some photos, but my presence did not deter him from his nap time. This was a fitting example of physical rest.

It's one thing to nap, but how do we quiet our racing thoughts? It’s hard to find that inner calm and stillness.

In my attempt to learn the discipline of deep inner solitude, a couple of Bible verses have become immensely helpful. The first is found in Deuteronomy 33:12, “Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders.” This is a beautiful picture that brings deep comfort. We can rest on God’s strong shoulders. The word rest is used twice in this verse, emphasizing that our rest is secure in the strength of the Lord.

The second verse reads like this, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing” (Zephaniah 3:17) ESV.

This verse encourages me. It reminds me that our Mighty God is with us. It gives us the Gospel truth that God is the One who saves. He is a God who rejoices over us with a glad heart and loud singing. God is the One who will quiet us by His love. Our hearts and minds can find inner rest in the comfort of knowing that we are His beloved in whom He delights.

My pastor reminded us that rest is found in our relationship with Christ. “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Rest is not necessarily about stopping; it is about being aware of how Jesus is with us throughout the day.

Times of physical rest need to be intentional, as Jesus modelled in His day-to-day life. The Gospels are filled with examples of Jesus taking time apart to be with His Father. When Jesus felt depleted from the pressure and demands of the crowds, He would intentionally get into a boat and cross to a quiet place so that He would then have the strength to get out of the boat and minister to those in need.

When Jesus noticed His disciples were weary, He cared for them by suggesting a time of rest. “The apostles returned to Jesus and told Him all that they had done and taught. And He said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.' For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves” (Mark 6:30-32).

There are multiple references where we notice that Jesus took the time to pray with His Father. “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He departed and went out to a desolate place, and there He prayed” (Mark 1:35). Prayer is a discipline that brings rest and calmness to our souls.

Resting in God will save us from burnout. We cannot give to others when we are running on empty. Jesus is our ultimate example. He spent time with His Father in solitude. When we find true rest, our cup will be filled to overflowing, and from the overflow we can bless others.

May we all rest in His peace.

Susan Page is the daughter of the King, His beloved child, wonderfully forgiven and blessed! Susan longs to age gracefully, becoming more like Jesus as she seeks the hidden treasures revealed to her through Scripture, literature, the arts, humankind, and nature.