Recently a precious sister in CHRIST JESUS and I were discussing our love for HIM and the sweet, sweet relationship we each shared with HIM. She spoke of how HE frequently called her in the wee hours of the morning to meet with HIM. I smiled and said yes, that when HE calls our meetings. As we continued to talk about HIM, we began to talk about HIS WORD. I watched this woman be completely filled with delight as she quoted word for word from several different scriptures. I rejoiced as HIS awesome WORD filled our souls with great happiness.

It is such a delight to spend time with HIM. As I study HIS WORD. I am often moved with awe, wonder, tears, joy and prayer as HE reveals HIS mind and HIS heart to me. My sincere prayer is that each one of you that are called by HIS NAME would daily seek HIS FACE (Psa 27:8) and come to know just how precious HE is (Psa 34:8).

Why is it important to delight yourself in The LORD? Because over two thousand years ago, our Beloved LORD JESUS spoke of the time we are presently in. In Matthew 24:12, HE said “because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold”. Lawlessness is sin (1 Jhn 3:4), and because sin is as prevalent today, as it was in the days of Noah and Lot, only a remnant (a small remaining part) will continue to delight in our Beloved LORD GOD and HIS WORD. And that remnant will not be shaken by current events (Psa 119:165); sickness and suffering will not cause them to give up (Psa 119:50, Psa 119:92, Psa 119:143); and they are continually blessed by HIS nearness (Psa 65:4, Psa 73:28).

What does it mean to delight yourself in The LORD? The English word “delight” as used in Psalm 37:4 is translated from the Hebrew word `anag pronounced “aw-nog” (OT:6026) and it means to:

1)      have great happiness or joy in

2)      be highly pleased with

3)      rejoice over

4)      take pleasure in

So to delight yourself in The LORD is to take pleasure in the presence of GOD and HIS WORD. When you delight in HIM and HIS wonderful WORD, obedience in not a burden (1 Jhn 5:3), but a joy and a delight (Psa 40:8, Psa 119:47, Jhn 4:34).

I will give thanks to The LORD with all my heart;

I will tell of all YOUR wonders.

I will be glad and exult in YOU;

I will sing praise to YOUR NAME, O MOST HIGH.

Psalm 9:1-2

Therefore everyone who hears these words of MINE and acts on them

May be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock

And the rain fell, and the floods came

And the winds blew and slammed against that house

And yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock

Everyone who hears these words of MINE and does not act on them

Will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand

The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house

And it fell — and great was its fall

Matthew 7:24-27

Last year, I saw a Prudential insurance commercial conducting a magnets experiment using a couple of hundred volunteers from across the country. During the experiment two large magnetized boards were set up; one board represented the past, the other board represented the future. The Prudential representatives asked each volunteer to choose two magnets by color, which represented significant events in their life over the last 5 years, and place them on the “past” board. The volunteers were asked to repeat this process and place the two magnets by color on the “future” board. Yellow magnets signified good things, blue magnets signified bad things.

Once all the volunteers had placed their magnets on both boards they stood back to observe their results. They were surprised to see the “past” board was equally covered with yellow and blue magnets, whereas the “future” board was covered with mostly yellow magnets. The commentor of the commercial concluded “when we think about the future, we tend to underestimate the likelihood of anything bad happening; but we must prepare for anything that could happen in life, not just the good.”

In the aforementioned passage of Scripture our Beloved LORD JESUS is saying the same thing to each one of us. “It is not if the storms come, it is when the storms come.” Have you prepared for the coming storms in your life?

A storm is an atmospheric disturbance that brings flooding and winds strong enough to cause a poorly built home to be destroyed. Will severe disturbances like the loss of a job, loss of a loved one through death or divorce, loss of a dream, or loss of your health cause your mental well-being and subsequent life to be destroyed?

Our Beloved LORD JESUS CHRIST tells us the best way to protect ourselves from destruction during life’s severe disturbances is to act-upon, follow, carry out HIS instructions or teachings. Just as our GOD gave Noah specific instructions on how to build an ark of salvation (Gen 6:14-16), HE has given us specific instructions that lead to our salvation (Psa 32:8, Exd 24:12, Jhn 3:16, Rom 15:4, Tit 2:11-12). Those instructions can only be found in The BIBLE, The WORD of GOD.

 “Why do you call ME, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?

“Everyone who comes to ME and hears MY WORDS and acts on them

I will show you whom he is like

He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock

And when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it

Because it had been well built

“But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly

Is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation

And the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed

And the ruin of that house was great.”

Luke 6:46-49

The parable of the sower (Mat 13:1-23, Mrk 4:1-20, Luk 8:4-15), is a parable about salvation. According to Luke 8:11-15, all are given an opportunity for salvation, through hearing The WORD of GOD (Rom 10:14-18). There are four different responses to hearing GOD’s WORD, but only one response that leads to salvation:

1. The first response, occurs in people who hear GOD’s WORD, but do not seek to understand it (Pro 4:7, Mat 13:19). The WORD they heard is immediately snatched away by Satan, so they will not believe and be saved (Luk 8:12).
2. The second response, occurs in people who hear GOD’s WORD, but their hearts are just as hard as ground with no moisture. They have a temporary emotional response to GOD’s WORD, the same response they have to a moving love song (Eze 33:32). But since HIS WORD does not penetrate their hearts, in time of trouble, affliction or persecution they immediately become discouraged, distrust GOD and HIS WORD and desert their faith in HIM (Mat 13:20-21, Mrk 4:16-17, Luk 8:13).
3. The third response, occurs in people who hear GOD’s WORD, and for a period of time obey (abide in) HIS WORD. But they eventually drift away from HIM and HIS WORD, because of the worries of the world (Mat 13:22), the deceitfulness of wealth (Mat 13:22) and the desires for other things or pleasures of this life (Mrk 4:19, Luk 8:14).
4. The fourth response, occurs in people who hear GOD’s WORD, hold fast or cling to HIM and HIS WORD, bearing fruit with perseverance (Luk 8:15). These people are saved, because they cling to our Beloved LORD GOD, enduring in all circumstances to the very end (Mat 24:12-13, 1 Tim 4:16).

In this study, we will examine the people who still profess to follow CHRIST, because they heard The WORD of GOD, had enough understanding to respond to HIS WORD, by obeying HIS WORD. But “the worry of this world” have caused them to turn from following our Beloved LORD GOD (Isa 1:4, Jer 15:6), they no longer listen to HIS Voice (Isa 30:9-11, Jer 13:10-11, 2 Tim 4:3-4) they have become dry – devoid of HIS Holy SPIRIT (Jud 1:18-19, Jhn 7:37-39), unfruitful (Mat 13:22, Mrk 4:18-19, Jud 1:12) ― not possessing the fruit of The SPIRIT of GOD instead they are lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, they are always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth; they oppose The Truth, and are people of depraved mind. (2 Tim 3:2-8)

So what is the “worry of the world” and how can it cause the obedient to become disobedient?  To define “worry of the world” we need to examine two words “worry” and “world”. The English word “worry’ is translated from the Greek word “mérimna” (NT:3308) and it means to draw in different directions, distract, give way to anxiety and uncertainty over actual or potential problems, allow one’s mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles. Anything that draws you away from time in The WORD, distracts you from seeking our Beloved LORD GOD’s presence, or causes you not to trust HIM, is a worry. And this “worry” is a thorn (anything that keeps entangling, troubling, distressing, annoying, or irritating).

Where does “worry” or the thorn come from? Thorns and thistles came into our lives (both physically and spiritually) as a result of sin (Gen 3:17-18, Heb 6:7-8). When we examine the thorns in the parable of the sower (Mat 13:7, Mrk 4:7, Luk 8:7); the seed or WORD of GOD fell among them, which means the thorns were present when The WORD was planted. The individual who does not fully turn from the sins that so easily entangled them (Heb 12:1, Rom 13:12-14, Eph 4:22-24) and fully turn to GOD and HIS WORD, will always be in danger of becoming disobedient, unfruitful, and in a spiritual state worse than their original state before salvation (2 Pet 2:20-22).

What is the significance of becoming “unfruitful”? It is the alarm to us and all those who observe us (Mat 7:15-20), that we are not abiding in HIS WORD (1 Jhn 2:6, 1 Jhn 3:24, 2 Jhn 1:9), and HE is not abiding within us (Jhn 15:4-5). The fruit of righteousness (Php 1:11) or fruit of The SPIRIT (Gal 5:22) is present in our lives, when The Holy SPIRIT (which is The SPIRIT of GOD, The SPIRIT of JESUS – Rom 8:9-11, Jhn 14:23) is present in our soul. The fruit is the visible expression of The Holy SPIRIT working inwardly within us. The Holy SPIRIT is invisible to the physical eye, but HIS presence and character is manifested through the character of those HE inhabits. HIS character is made up of several components as demonstrated by Gal 5:22-23:

o  Love can be known only from the actions it prompts. This particular type of love as a noun “agάpee” (NT:26), is the same love used to describe GOD HIMSELF (1 Jhn 4:8, 1 Jhn 4:16); and this love as a verb “agapaoo” (NT:25), is love we are called to have for our Beloved LORD GOD and for each other (Mat 22:36-40). Agάpee/ Agapaoo is used to describe the love that is of and from GOD. It includes every part of a person (Mrk 12:28-34):

• heart (emotions, feelings, attachments, and affections – to love HIM with all your heart is to love HIM more strongly than anyone or anything else (Mat 10:37-39), and be willing to give up all that you hold dear at HIS command (Gen 22:1-18, Php 3:7-8))
• soul (your very life – to love HIM with all your soul is to devote your life to HIM, and purposely choose to love HIM even more than your own life (Dan 3:12-28, Dan 6:4-23, Luk 14:26, Rev 12:11))
• mind (intellect, thoughts, reasoning and understanding – to love HIM with all your mind is to love HIM by submitting all your decisions to HIM (Psa 32:8, Psa 119:24, Pro 8:14, Pro 20:18, Pro 24:6, Isa 9:6), and to obey HIS WORD in every circumstance – Pro 3:5-8, Pro 14:12, 2 Cor 10:5)
• strength (ability to perform, power to do, capacity to resist – to love HIM with all your strength is to focus your entire being on pleasing HIM (Luk 13:24, Php 2:12-13, 1 Cor 9:24-27, 1 Tim 4:6-10), your greatest efforts are dedicated to following HIM – Pro 19:16, Heb 12:2-4, Jhn 4:34, Php 3:12-14)

Agάpee/ Agapaoo love is not based on certain conditions, it is committed to pleasing GOD (Jhn 8:29, 2 Cor 5:9) and the well-being of others (Rom 15:1-3, Php 2:3-5) regardless. It is a sacrificial love that voluntarily suffers inconvenience, discomfort, and even death for the benefit of another (Jhn 15:12-13, Rom 5:8, Php 2:17, 1 Jhn 3:16-18, 1 Jhn 4:7-12, Luk 6:35).

o   Joy is an inward cheerfulness, gladness, peace and sufficiency that is not affected by outward circumstances (Rom 14:17, Rom 15:13, Jam 1:2-4, 1 Pet 1:6-9, 1 Pet 4:12-13).

o   Peace is an inner state of rest, calm, and assurance, even in the face of adverse circumstances. This peace lacks fear, and is free from thoughts that bring worry, oppression or irritation; it defies human understanding (Jhn 14:27, Php 4:6-7, 2 The 3:16).

o   Patience is the capacity to endure hardship or inconvenience without complaint. It is trusting our Beloved LORD GOD in all circumstances, through a heart of worship and praise (Job 1:20-21, Job 2:9-10, Hab 3:17-19, Php 4:4)  

o   Kindness is being merciful, tender, considerate, gracious and helpful to all, including those who cannot repay your kindness (Luk 14:12-14, Pro 19:17) and also to those who are ungrateful for your kindness (Mat 5:38-48, Luk 6:35-36).

o   Goodness is walking upright before GOD in both your heart and your life. From your innermost being or unseen part of you is where you cherish and obey HIS WORD (Psa 40:8, Psa 51:6, Psa 119:11); abstaining from every form of evil in your life, because of you love HIM (Gen 39:6-13, 1 The 5:22, 2 Tim 2:19).   

o   Faithfulness is firm devotion to GOD (Job 13:15, Job 19:25-27, Psa 73:26, Psa 119:81-88).  Having a firm conviction in every circumstance, that GOD is working and acting on your behalf (Rom 8:28, Psa 31:14-15, Isa 25:8-9, Isa 64:4).

o   Gentleness is one who is genuinely humble, patient and mild; not inclined to anger, severity or resentment (Isa 42:3, Isa 53:7, Mat 27:12-14, 1 Pet 2:23, Mat 11:29, Mrk 10:35-45, 1 Cor 4:11-13, Mat 5:38-42); filled with grace, mercy (Mat 5:7, Luk 6:36, Pro 11:17), and forgiveness (Mat 18:33-35, Jam 2:8-13, 1 Jhn 3:14-15). Forgiveness is mercy. A gentle person is able to deal with others with respect, kindness and compassion (Lev 19:32, 1 Tim 5:1, 2 Tim 2:24-25, Gal 6:1-3).

o   Self-control is the ability to restrain any emotion, action, desire or feeling that does not conform to the will of GOD (2 Cor 10:3-5). It is steadfastly doing GOD’s will (Pro 23:17, Pro 28:14, Jhn 4:34, Jhn 5:30, Jhn 8:29).

As you can see from the aforementioned definitions of the “fruit” of righteousness (or of The SPIRIT), this fruit is impossible to come by our efforts, because there is nothing good that dwells in our sinful flesh (Rom 7:18). It comes only through HIS presence in our innermost being (Jhn 7:38-39); and the more HE fills every aspect of our being, the more HIS character is revealed in us (Rom 13:14, Eph 4:22-32, Eph 5:1-2, Col 3:8-10).

How do you have more of HIS presence in your innermost being?

1. Obedience (Jhn 15:10, 1 Jhn 3:24)
2. Trust (Heb 11:6, Rom 4:20-21, Jam 4:8, Heb 7:25, Heb 4:16, Lam 3:57)
3. Simply asking (Luk 11:9-13, Jhn 15:7)

But the seed in the good soil

These are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart

And hold it fast

And bear fruit with perseverance

Luke 8:15

Recently, The Holy SPIRIT directed me to go back, read and meditate on John 3:36:

 He who believes in The SON has eternal life

But he who does not obey The SON will not see life

But the wrath of GOD abides on him

John 3:36

I believed I had fully understood this Scripture in my previous BIBLE studies; I had highlighted, underlined and even circled two words in the passage “believes” and “obey”. My head knowledge of this passage, told me that a true follower of CHRIST must not only believe in HIM (trust HE is WHO HE said HE is, has done what HE said HE did, and is doing what HE said HE will), but must also obey HIM (to be guided by, to submit to the control of, to allow oneself to be persuaded; to comply with). But head knowledge of GOD’s WORD is not enough, we must have heart knowledge of HIS WORD.

Heart knowledge only comes when our Beloved LORD GOD’s Holy SPRIT gives us understanding of HIS WORD, by combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words (1 Cor 2:13). As HE leads, guides, and teaches us (Jhn 14:26, Jhn 16:13), HIS WORDS are written on our hearts becoming part of who we are; transforming us into a new person by changing the way we think (Rom 12:2). Each one of us going through the process will seek to know the meaning of what we are hearing and reading. Our seeking will include:

• Confirming what we are hearing or reading, through examination of The Scriptures (Act 17:11, 1 Thes 5:21, 1 Jhn 4:1─Jer 23:21-22, Rev 2:2)
• Praying or asking GOD questions concerning the meaning of The Scriptures (Mat 17:10-13)
• Inquiring of GOD who HE is addressing in a particular passage of Scripture (Luk 12:41)
• Meditating or reflecting upon The Scripture itself (Psa 119:15-16) until HE gives us understanding and confirmation through other passages in HIS WORD (Luk 24:27)

In my search to fully understand John 3:36, HIS Holy SPIRIT directed me to go back to the original language for the word ‘believes” and to examine its meaning in that language. I learned, the English word “believes” in John 3:36, was translated from the Greek word “pisteuo“(NT:4100) and it means:

• to have faith in or upon, with respect to, a person or thing
• to entrust (especially one’s spiritual well-being to Christ)
• to commit to trust, or put in trust with
• intransitively, to think to be true; to be persuaded of; to credit, place confidence in
• in this sense of the word, reliance upon, not mere credence in

So I learned that this word meant far more than accepting HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST as true or real. It also meant to entrust your spiritual well-being to HIM, placing absolute confidence in HIM. The Holy SPIRIT then showed me, this is the same Greek word used to describe the demons belief in James 2:19.

Demons are indeed believers in GOD, not those type of believers who know about HIM; but those who truly know HIM and HIS character.  These demons know HIM (Job 1:6, 1 Kin 22:19), HIS SON JESUS CHRIST (Mrk 1:34, Luk 4:33-35) and HIS WORD (Mat 4:5-7). For the first time I knew in my innermost being, demons had lived in and experienced HIS very presence (Heb 8:5, Exd 25:17-20, Eze 28:14-16) until they were cast out (Rev 12:7-9), because of sin which is disobedience, unrighteousness, lawlessness (Eze 28:15-16, 1 Jhn 3:4, 1 Jhn 5:17). The same fate that happens to all the disobedient (Jer 7:12-15, Mat 7:21-23).

So when is faith not enough? When it is not united with obedience, as confirmed in John 3:36 and James 2:26.

The English word “obey” in John 3:36, was translated from the Greek word “apeitheoo“ (NT:544) and it means not willing to be subject to, not willing to be persuaded, spurning belief, disobedient. If you are not willing to know GOD’s WORD, not willing to be persuaded that HIS WORD is truth, rejecting The BIBLE because you refuse to believe it is applicable today or applicable to your life; then you are in the company of demons (fallen angels). And your spiritual life is just as dead as a body without any breath in it (James 2:26). Having faith in GOD without obedience to GOD, still brings death and wrath (Rom 2:8, 2 Thes 1:8-9, 1 Pet 4:17-18).

They profess to know GOD

But by their deeds they deny HIM

Being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed

Titus 1:16

In Isaiah 28:12, our compassionate GOD, sent HIS servant Isaiah to the people of Judah and Jerusalem offering them rest, but they would not listen to HIS WORDS or accept HIS invitation to rest.

Before we begin, please note the passage in Isaiah 28:12. Our Beloved LORD GOD sent HIS prophet Isaiah to HIS own people (Psa 105:6, Psa 135:4, Amo 3:1-2). And like HIS people in earlier times, there are many today who still reject HIS message, and refuse HIS invitation to rest.

You might be wondering why someone, especially someone professing to know GOD, would reject HIS invitation to rest. To understand this, you must look at who it is, that is rejecting HIS invitation. And then you must look at why they are rejecting HIS invitation.

Who are these people that are rejecting GOD’s message and invitation? It is not those who do not know HIM (Judg 2:10, 1 Sam 2:12, Jer 4:22, 1 Cor 15:34), nor those who are openly hostile to HIM (Rom 8:7-8, Jude 1:15, Php 3:18-19). Instead it is those who claim to know GOD, but their lifestyle, testify that there is little or no relationship with HIM (Tit 1:16, 1 Jhn 2:4).  Although, these people profess to be godly, they reject HIM, HIS message, and the holy life they are being called to walk in, as demonstrated by the following Scriptures:

Thus says The LORD,

Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths,

Where the good way is, and walk in it;

And you will find rest for your souls.

But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’

And I set watchmen over you, saying,

‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’

But they said, ‘We will not listen.’

Jeremiah 6:16-17

 For thus The LORD GOD, The Holy ONE of Israel, has said,

“In repentance and rest you will be saved,

In quietness and trust is your strength.”

But you were not willing,

Isaiah 30:15

 Then HE said to me, “Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with MY words to them

For you are not being sent to a people of unintelligible speech or difficult language, but to the house of Israel

Nor to many peoples of unintelligible speech or difficult language, whose words you cannot understand

But I have sent you to them who should listen to you

Yet the house of Israel will not be willing to listen to you, since they are not willing to listen to ME

Surely the whole house of Israel is stubborn and obstinate.

Ezekiel 3:4-7

 I solemnly charge you in the presence of GOD and of CHRIST JESUS, WHO is to judge the living and the dead

And by HIS appearing and HIS kingdom

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season

Reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled

They will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires

And will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths

But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

2 Timothy 4:1-5

Some of you will reject the aforementioned Scriptures for at least one of two reasons:

1. The Old Testament is not for us today.
2. These passages refer to Israelites, and you are not an Israelite.

From Scripture this is what our Beloved LORD GOD says:

To the first point:

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Rom 15:4)

All Scripture is inspired by GOD and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of GOD may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16-17)

To the second point:

Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. The Scripture, foreseeing that GOD would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU.” So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer. (Gal 3:6-9)

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in CHRIST JESUS. And if you belong to CHRIST, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise. (Gal 3:28-29)

In 2 Corinthians 13:5, our Beloved LORD GOD tells us to examine/test ourselves to whether we are truly living a life of faith/trust in HIM, not merely professing to live one. Here are some things you might consider during your examination:

• When a message makes you uncomfortable, do you criticize the messenger and reject the message (Luk 10:16, Jhn 8:47, Jhn 18:37, 1 Jhn 4:5-6), or do you seek GOD out (Psa 53:2, Psa 9:10)
• When a message makes you feel good, do you confirm it with The WORD of GOD (Acts 17:11, 1 The 5:21)
• Do you long for The presence of GOD (Psa 42:1-2, Psa 63:1, Psa 143:6)
• Do you frequently seek personal time with HIM (Psa 27:8, Psa 105:4, Psa 119:2)
• How frequently do you personally read/study The BIBLE (Deu 17:18-20, Pro 8:34, Pro 16:20)
• Is your church attendance based on priority or convenience (Heb 10:24-25)
• Do you strongly desire to know GOD and HIS ways (Exd 33:13, Psa 25:4-5, Psa 119:33-40, Isa 2:3)
• Is knowing HIM more precious than anything else in your life (Php 3:7-8, Heb 11:24-26)
• Are you more concerned about pleasing HIM or pleasing others (Gal 1:10, Jhn 8:29, 1 Ths 2:4)

Where is the place of rest that GOD is offering to HIS people in Isaiah 28:12? It is a place:

• In HIS presence (Psa 16:11, Psa 21:6, Psa 27:4-5, Psa 31:20)
• Where burdens are lifted (Psa 55:22, Psa 68:19, Mat 11:28-30, 1 Jhn 5:3)
• Where there is peace of mind, regardless of the circumstances (Isa 26:3, Jhn 14:27, Php 4:6-7)
• Where there is tranquility, free of agitation and consternation (Psa 29:10-11, Psa 46:1-3, Isa 43:1-5, Hab 3:17-19)
• Where trust and confidence in HIM remain constant in all situations (Psa 71:5, Psa 84:12, Pro 16:20, Jer 17:7-8)

How do you accept GOD’s place of rest? By listening to HIM as reflected in your obedience to HIM (Pro 1:33, Pro 3:32, Luk 11:28); by placing your trust and confidence in HIM instead of yourself (Pro 3:5-8, Pro 28:26); by pursing HIM (Isa 55:6, Mat 7:7-13) until HE lets you find HIM (Deu 4:29, Jer 29:13).

Thus says The LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel,

“I am The LORD your GOD, WHO teaches you to profit,

WHO leads you in the way you should go.

“If only you had paid attention to MY commandments!

Then your well-being would have been like a river,

And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

Isaiah 48:17-18