‘I Will Give You Rest’

Editorial by Rick Remmers

These are five life-saving words. When each day seems to bring a heavy weight of chaos, conflict and uncertainty, these simple words of Jesus have a great impact: “I will give you rest.” He prefaces these words with an open invitation: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden” (Matt. 11:28, NKJV).

These words are given by the One who spoke and created the world. The One whose voice called out, “Peace, be still,” and the storm stopped and the waves were calmed. This same Jesus is the guarantor of our rest. He is willing and able to provide rest as a free gift, without reservation.

We have a heavy burden of care because an unseen virus may bring illness or death to our dear family members. We may be weary because of racial prejudices that do not align with our worth as a child of God. Job losses and financial uncertainties have become an unwelcome way of life.

In this environment, Jesus promises rest. Spiritual rest to free us from doubt and guilt, replaced with reassurance of the salvation He freely gives. Emotional rest to set our minds at peace amid turmoil. In fact, when addressing this promise in The Desire of Ages, Ellen White shares this gem: “In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. Our Heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service and honor of God supreme will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet” (p. 330).

So enjoy some rest. Not because the world around you has calmed down, but because the promise of Jesus remains certain: “I will give you rest.”