THE GOD WHO GIVES YOU REST FROM ALL SIDES

THE GOD WHO GIVES YOU REST FROM ALL SIDES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Chronicles 15:15

Key Verse: “And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the Lord gave them rest round about.” — 2 Chronicles 15:15 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 12:10; Joshua 21:44; 1 Kings 5:4; Matthew 11:28-29; Philippians 4:7

Description:
God is able to give His children rest on every side; spiritual, emotional, physical, and financial when they seek Him wholeheartedly and walk in obedience to His Word.

INTRODUCTION:
Every human heart longs for rest. Life’s pressures, spiritual battles, and daily challenges often leave people weary and burdened. However, there is a dimension in God where His people experience rest from all sides. This is not the absence of activity but the presence of divine peace, security, and fulfilment that comes from walking closely with God.

Throughout Scripture, rest is a covenant blessing. God promised rest to His people Israel when they entered the Promised Land. Yet, this rest was not only geographical but also spiritual; a state of peace and divine protection from enemies and afflictions. It was the outcome of obedience, faith, and total trust in the Lord.

In the New Testament, Jesus invites us to come unto Him for rest (Matthew 11:28-29). The same God who gave Israel rest round about is still giving His people rest today; rest in marriage, rest in ministry, rest in destiny, and rest in all areas of life.

1. GOD’S PROMISE OF REST IS A COVENANT REALITY
Divine rest is not a myth or a distant dream. It is a covenant promise that God delights to fulfil for His faithful children.

a) Rest is a divine inheritance (Deuteronomy 12:10):
God promised Israel rest when they entered the land He had given them. Every child of God is entitled to this inheritance of rest.

b) Rest comes through faith (Hebrews 4:9-10):
Those who trust in God’s Word enter into His rest; unbelief keeps people restless.

c) Rest requires obedience (Isaiah 32:17-18):
The fruit of righteousness is peace, and its effect is quietness and assurance forever.

d) Rest is a reflection of God’s nature (Genesis 2:2-3):
God rested on the seventh day, establishing a pattern for His people to live in peace and divine completion.

Biblical Example: God gave Israel rest during the reign of Solomon. Scripture says, “And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree” (1 Kings 4:25).

2. GOD GIVES REST WHEN HIS PEOPLE SEEK HIM WHOLEHEARTEDLY
Rest from all sides is a reward for those who pursue God with undivided hearts.

a) Seeking God brings peace (2 Chronicles 14:7):
Asa declared that they had rest because they sought the Lord and obeyed His commands.

b) Wholehearted devotion attracts divine attention (Jeremiah 29:13):
When you seek God with your whole heart, you will find Him and experience His peace.

c) Persistent prayer sustains divine rest (Philippians 4:6-7):
When you cast your cares upon the Lord, His peace guards your heart and mind.

d) Righteous living secures lasting rest (Psalm 37:7):
Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him, for He never fails those who trust Him.

Biblical Example: King Asa and Judah sought the Lord with all their heart, and the Lord gave them rest round about (2 Chronicles 15:15).

3. GOD GIVES REST BY SUBDUING ENEMIES AND TROUBLES
When God arises on behalf of His people, He silences every adversary and brings them into a season of calmness and victory.

a) God conquers enemies to bring peace (Joshua 21:44):
The Lord gave them rest on every side; not one of their enemies stood against them.

b) God fights hidden battles (Exodus 14:14):
The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.

c) God brings internal and external rest (Psalm 46:9-10):
He makes wars cease and commands, “Be still and know that I am God.”

d) God restores joy in times of turmoil (Psalm 30:11):
He turns mourning into dancing and replaces anxiety with celebration.

Biblical Example: David enjoyed divine rest after many battles, as God subdued his enemies and established his throne (2 Samuel 7:1).

4. GOD GIVES REST THROUGH CHRIST JESUS
True rest is found only in Christ. All earthly efforts to find peace outside Him will end in frustration.

a) Christ is the Lord of rest (Matthew 11:28-29):
Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to Him for rest for their souls.

b) Christ gives victory over anxiety (John 14:27):
His peace is not as the world gives; it transcends human understanding.

c) Christ’s finished work guarantees rest (Hebrews 4:9-10):
Those who believe in His work on the cross rest from their labours and struggles.

d) Christ gives eternal rest (Revelation 14:13):
The faithful who die in the Lord rest from their labours and their works follow them.

Biblical Example: The disciples found peace and courage in Christ even amidst storms (Mark 4:39-40).

CONCLUSION:
God desires that His children live in perpetual rest, not just momentary relief but continuous peace and satisfaction. Rest from all sides means freedom from fear, financial struggles, family turmoil, and inner restlessness. It is the manifestation of divine peace that surpasses understanding.

To experience this rest, we must seek God wholeheartedly, walk in obedience, and remain steadfast in faith. When we do, the God who gave Solomon, Asa, and David rest will surely give us rest from every battle of life.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Thank You, Lord, for being the God who gives rest from all sides.
2. Father, grant me peace in every area of my life: spiritually, emotionally, and financially.
3. O Lord, subdue every enemy troubling my peace and destiny.
4. Father, help me to seek You wholeheartedly and walk in Your ways.
5. Lord, establish divine order and quietness in my family and environment.
6. Father, silence every storm that is rising against my life and ministry.
7. Lord, let Your peace reign in the church and in our nation.
8. Father, destroy every altar of restlessness and anxiety in my life.
9. O Lord, surround me with Your presence and give me rest round about.
10. Father, make my life a testimony of divine peace and rest.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You shall enjoy rest from every battle of life.
2. The Lord shall silence every storm around you.
3. You shall dwell in peace and safety all the days of your life.
4. Every power troubling your rest shall bow before the Lord.
5. You shall experience divine calmness in your mind and spirit.
6. The Lord shall subdue your adversaries and grant you total victory.
7. Your home and family shall be surrounded by divine peace.
8. Every area of struggle in your life shall turn into ease and rest.
9. You shall walk in the covenant of divine rest and prosperity.
10. From today, the God of peace shall give you rest from all sides.