You who are troubled rest with us

2 Thessalonians 1:7

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels…

The church of the Thessalonians endured persecution as many others did at that time. And Paul gives them a letter of encouragement. He prayed that they would be counted worthy of this calling. What calling? The calling of suffering for the kingdom of God! There is no greater calling. And this is all bearable because we know that He shall come to make all things right. In flaming fire, taking vengeance, the Lord Jesus shall descend from heaven. And it is no mistake that there are multiple references in these books (first and second Thessalonians), to the coming of the Lord. The first epistle speaks of His coming for the saints and with the saints. First, He will come to meet the saints who are alive in the air. And when He comes to rule and reign, He shall come with all His saints to this earth. The second epistle speaks more of the second coming of the Lord Jesus. But all this is given to us so that we may take heart and take courage. “Are you troubled?” he asked the church. “Rest with us.” We can rest! There is no need to be troubled, for Christ is coming, and all will be well.

Dear friends, this same sentiment is repeatedly spoken from the lips of the servants of God, and of the very Son of God Himself. Did He not say to His disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled”? Don’t let it be troubled! Rest! Rest with us! The Lord Jesus is coming. Both of these passages speak of this same event. Jesus said, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself.” No need to worry! All is well in the Father’s House. No need for concern, because the Lord Jesus has told us so. Let not your heart be troubled!

Beloved, I know not what may be troubling you this day. I know not what may cause sleep to flee or true rest to be elusive. I know not what is keeping your soul in turmoil and upheaval. And maybe you have not such a weakness. But if you do, be not ashamed. Many have been troubled by great things, as these Christians here were also troubled. But I give you this message straight from the pages of God’s holy Word. If you are troubled, rest with us! Rest! Do not be concerned! Jesus has it in His hands. Worry and fear is needless, and angst is not from the Lord. He has not given us “the spirit of fear.” No! He has given us rest! “Come unto me,” He says, “all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” You that are troubled, rest in the Lord. For with Him, all is right.

“Father, we praise you that we can be comforted this day. You are the God of everlasting consolation and good hope! You seek to comfort us daily, continually, moment by moment. If we are troubled, bring sweet rest to our souls. Yea, let us take the sweet rest that you are offering through Christ. With Him, we can serenely and calmly sit at your feet, allowing you to fill us with your peace. May the God of peace give us peace always by all means, for we know that you are with us. There is no cause for worry or concern. And we praise you that we can trust you for all these things. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.”