Blessed be the Lord that has given rest

“Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.” - 1 Kings 8v56

Solomon concluded his dedicatory address with a prayer to God and a request for blessing for His people. He sets a wonderful pattern for us by beginning his prayer with thanksgiving. He blessed and thanked God for giving the people rest. After all of their wonderings, struggles, and trials God had granted rest to Israel in the land of Canaan and had allowed them to build a place for Him to dwell there. He this promised land they had a place where they could rest.

We know that the people were not content with that rest. In their desire to have more they sinned and rebelled against God losing the benefit of the perfect rest that God had provided for them.

How sad it is that we do not learn from Isreal. Jesus offers us His prefect rest when he says, “Come unto me all ye that are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” He offers us perfect rest in Him. That rest is there for us no matter what storms of life we face. It is sad when we are so upset by the storm that we step right out into it instead of resting in Christ. When the storms of life are raging let us rest in Him, and not be content with the quasi-rest the world offers.