David.
An unsuspecting shepherd boy, thrown into the vast undertaking of King.
A brave youth who slayed a giant with a mere stone.
A soldier running from betrayal in fear for his life.
A man whose very shoulders carried the weight of his people.
Yet, in the midst of it all, a psalmist who wrote out his faith and trust in the Lord.
David had every reason to fear.
The man who was his king hunted for his life. His enemies surrounded him and forced him to live in exile. He made many mistakes as he was later named king. Rest would have been difficult in all the things he faced.
Throughout the Psalms, David shared his struggles with anxiety, doubt, fear, betrayal, and fighting for his life.
Yet despite all his emotions, he still penned one of the greatest psalms. Psalm 23.
David painted a picture of peace but he also shared the reality of the darkness that we walk through in this thing called life.
And throughout the psalm, do you know where David placed the Lord?
With him in every scene.
When David wrote of laying beside still waters, the Lord was there.
When he spoke of walking through the valley of death, the Lord was there.
When he was in a time of plenty and feasting at a table before his enemies, the Lord was right there.
David found his rest IN GOD.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3
Because his trust was in the Lord, he was able to rest IN Him.
For a time, priests were the ones to reign over the people of God. But the children of Israel grew restless and had asked for a king. So the Lord anointed David.
During his kingship, David had the tabernacle (which housed the presence of God) brought into the city of Jerusalem so he could make that city a place for God’s royal presence.
David wanted to be near the presence of the Lord. And that is where rest is found.
“My soul finds rest in God alone.” Psalm 62:1
God’s very Presence, His Spirit, brings us true rest. His presence which we can access at all times, every second of the day.
That is where David found his rest.
We see Moses rest in the waiting. That despite his situation and circumstances, Moses knew God’s very presence was with him and he was able to face his fears. He was led by a cloud during the day and pillar of fire by night. Physically seeing the presence of the Lord leading him and the people of God to the promised land.
“The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14
We see Caleb rest in the Lord’s promise - because he knew the Lord was the one who was WITH him and would bring him to the promised land - the resting place. Because he saw God faithful to fulfill His promises.
“The Lord your God will give you rest, and he will give you this land.” Joshua 1:1
We see Mary rest in the midst of hurry and chaos, holding onto the hope and expectation that God would see her through. While completely present with Him, Jesus’ radiant peace brought calm to her family’s life-altering circumstances.
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
And we see David, a man after God’s own heart. A king who found rest in the Lord despite his circumstances. And through his bloodline, Jesus the true King provides eternal rest through His redemptive blood.
~ Kissy Black