The Fear of the Lord Brings Rest and Satisfaction

The Fear of the Lord is a profound reverence and awe towards God

“The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.” (Prov. 19:23 ESV)

Over the years, we’ve gone on many vacations to get some “rest” from our normal routine, and we usually came home exhausted and needed to recover from them before going back to work. It was especially true when our four children were very young and we had bundled them into the back of our station wagon on a long drive to some vacation spot we hoped would revitalize us. In retrospect, we would have been better off staying home with our children and just going to the park. We’d have gotten more rest, for sure. And our children would have had more fun.

What is rest?

According to Webster’s Dictionary, rest is a noun that means a state of repose, sleep, or relaxation, or a verb that means to get or cause rest by lying down, ceasing from activity, or being free from anxiety. It can also refer to a place for resting.

The best kind of rest comes from the Lord

The verse at top says whoever has the fear of the Lord rests satisfied. That’s the best answer in a nutshell.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30 ESV)

Therefore

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28 ESV)

“And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exo. 33:14 ESV)