Just a clause today, from Isaiah 63:14. But remember first that several days ago we studied the Holy Spirit “resting” on Jesus. Indeed! He “rests” on us too, in fact more than that. He verily “indwells” us as New Testament Believers in Jesus!

Yet the Bible says even more of Him. “The Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest.” Isaiah 63:10, not just the Spirit resting “on” someone … but CAUSING HIM OR HER TO REST AS WELL!

The Holy Spirit is then, in a godly sense, the “Giver” of rest!

To be candid, Isaiah 63:14 is talking about a beast, an animal. But then that animal is likened to the Children of Israel, favorably so this time. “As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the Lord caused him to rest: SO DIDST THOU lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name.” (Giving them rest, too, being implied.)

The verb translated “caused to rest” is “nuach.” It’s in the Hiphil stem (Hebrew grammar) and demands that whatever action is being depicted, it is a “caused” event!

The Holy Spirit “causes” rest in our lives!

Paul (Galatians 5:22) teaches is that one of the foremost traits of the Holy Spirit Himself is “Peace.” He is the Peace Causer of the Trinity!

Of course there exists the “Peace of God,” too, God the Father. Paul again calls Him “the God of Peace” in Romans 15:33, in prayer, a benediction.

Jesus is a Peace Bringer as well. Listen to Him in John 14:27. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

But the Holy Spirit is first mentioned doing this, bringing rest out of turmoil! In fact, one might call Genesis 1:2 an illustration of the Holy Spirit bringing Peace, Order, and Tranquility out of a raging flood! “And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. AND THE SPIRIT OF GOD moved upon the face of the waters.” Then soon “peace” has come and God is calling things “good!”

Oh, how I personally need this Lesson today.

I need probably to sleep more, better realizing that real “rest” is a gift of God! Psalm 127:2 thunders: “For so He (our great God) giveth his beloved sleep.”

I need to take more time “off,” a day here and there to better realize the beautiful things of God.  Enjoying the sweet “rest” the Holy Spirit wants “to cause” in my life!

Well, that’s my thought for today, from the Bible.

I do know this. Without the smile of the Holy Spirit … there is not rest!

Truth!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Goodness! I just realized I did not fully define the verb “rest,” or “nuach.” It means once “to cease” from wearisome labor! Once “to be confederate” with someone! The closer He is to me, the more I will peacefully rest! Once to be “quiet.” Once “to settle down.” And naturally, 55 more times in Scripture … “nuach” means “to rest.”