How often in our lives have we just sought out a little peace and quiet? There are times when things seem to overwhelm us, and it becomes clear—to our minds, our bodies, our emotions, our relationships, etc., that now is the time to take a nap. I believe this is what God calls a Sabbath rest—just shut it all down!
The prophet speaks to the value of the quest for peace and quiet in a very telling note in Isaiah 32.16-18: ‘Justice will dwell in the desert and righteousness live in the fertile field. The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.’ I can dig this.
The promise of God for his believing people is a time, place, and harvest of this precious peace and quiet. It has something more to do with a state of being than with a state of mind. This is often referred to in scripture as abiding in peace—with no concern over having to find that quiet place. One simply lives in the quiet.
It becomes clear as the prophet concludes: ‘my people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.’ I like it! It is my heart’s desire to join my Lord Jesus in the undisturbed places of rest where he abides. No sweat, no strain to get there—I am there! ABIDE IN HIS PEACE!