Rest for Some, Unrest for Others

Sometimes, the exact same event causes anxiety for some, but joy for others.

Several years ago, our family’s minivan broke down as we were only a few hours into our summer vacation.  We were out in the middle of nowhere, of course!  So it took at least thirty minutes to tow us to the nearest mechanic.  That ride in the tow truck caused unrest for me.  “What could be the problem?” I wondered.  “How much will this cost?  How long will we be delayed?  And how much am I willing to spend on a repair before simply saying, ‘Forget it!  I’m just going to buy a new one.'”

But my young three-year-old son had a different perspective.  “Wow, Daddy!  Flashing lights!  Big tires!  Tow truck, Daddy, tow truck!  And it’s taking us to the fix-it shopper!”  In his language, “fix-it-shopper” meant “mechanic.”  For him, getting to ride in a real tow truck for at least thirty minutes was like Christmas in summertime.  What a gift!

Jesus Christ is always the same.  But for some, he causes anxiety.  When the name of Jesus comes up, the unbeliever’s heart scrambles in all directions at once, like a worried father with a broken vehicle.  “Does Jesus really know everything that I’ve done?  Is he really God?  Is he angry with me?  Will he send me to hell when I die?”

But for others, the name of Jesus comes up, and the heart is full of joy, as a three-year old getting an unexpected gift.  “Wow!  Forgiveness!  Heaven!  Peace with God!  Life with contentment!  All because Jesus loves me, this I know; for the Bible tells me so.”

You can see both reactions in our verse for today:  Yet their Redeemer is strong; the LORD Almighty is his name.  He will vigorously defend their cause so that he may bring rest to their land, but unrest to those who live in Babylon  (Jeremiah 50:34).  

So don’t hide from God and capture unrest in your heart.  Hide in him.  Rest in His Word, now and always.

Prayer: Lord, you promise that in all things, you work for the good of those who love you.  Help me see your loving hand in this time of trouble.  Save me from doubt, relieve my anguish, and help me to always rest in you during anguished times. Amen.