When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. (Proverbs 3:24)
[Heb 4:10-11 KJV] 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God [did] from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Have you ever had trouble resting? It could be a myriad of things on your mind. Perhaps that project you're still working on, the hard conversation with a loved one. Even some bills that seem to have taken a life of their own as seemingly parasitic to your peace. The truth is, we have all experienced times like this, you can fill in the blank on the circumstance. Perhaps you're working through in your own mind how to fix it, thinking of ways to deal with the emotional impact...even how to try and forget it by trying to go to sleep. It's hanging on like a superglued penny. Relentless.
There's something about these scriptures above that I have come to know as true in profound ways. Fear that once gripped my mind and heart on a regular basis, as I recognized who was with me, those fears melted away as if they were never an issue. Acknowledging the fear or worry is the beginning to dealing with what's on your mind. Removing the fear or worry has more to do with WHO you are acknowledging. To lean on your own understanding can create a loop within your own heart and mind, where you are tossed to and fro by emotional and mental gymnastics, never really settling on an answer. My bible tells me to acknowledge God in ALL my ways, and HE shall direct my path. The path to sweet rest relies on the truth of who God is, and that nothing I experience is greater than I AM.
We can find ourselves laboring for an answer, worry continuing to push us to look for any answer that will alleviate our fears. To enter into this rest means becoming the work of God. What does this mean? Let your labor manifest in the praise and worship that's already present within you, by the grace of the Holy Spirit. The beauty of this finished work is Jesus did it at the cross. To rest in Him means to acknowledge Him in your way of thinking, being and doing. Peace that surpasses all understanding will be your recompense. You can sleep like Jesus in the back of the boat, recognizing not only will you not perish, but you have everlasting life resting within! Christ IN us is the hope of glory. Unbelief has no authority you will not afford it. The only thing to perish is sin. The sting of death is removed from you, and the reality of a resurrected Christ will rise as you trust Him.
If we would only be still and know He's God, you can rest assured all is well with your soul.