Oh those stop signs that slow us down! If nothing is coming, why can’t we just keep on going?
And the more we roll through, the less and less we take time to fully look around. The more we miss. Until BAM! Something, or SomeOne, stops us.
Are we rolling through the stops in life? They have a positive purpose.
I did a quick word search and found quite a number of verses in the Bible with a form of the words “rest” and “stop.” While each verse does not necessarily use the word in a context of pausing, it is interesting to note some of the verses that do:
“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.” Genesis 2:2
“But in the seventh year the land is to have a year of sabbath rest, a sabbath to the Lord. Do not sow your fields or prune your vineyards. Do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the grapes of your untended vines. The land is to have a year of rest.” Leviticus 25:4-5
“So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hands. Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled.” Joshua 21:43-45
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.” Psalm 62:5
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…” Isaiah 30:15
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
“But Necho sent messengers to him, saying, “What quarrel is there, king of Judah, between you and me? It is not you I am attacking at this time, but the house with which I am at war. God has told me to hurry; so stop opposing God, who is with me, or he will destroy you.” 2 Chronicles 35:21
“Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God’s wonders.” Job 37:14
“Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.” Proverbs 19:27
“Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Mark 10:49
“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” John 7:24
I hope you will stop and make the time to read this verses in their context, to take in the bigger message of what God is teaching us. May you rest in the Lord, today and every day.