Rest and Trust in Trials According to Scripture
Scripture presents rest and trust in trials as intertwined realities grounded in God's character and promises. The psalmist declares, "In peace together I lie down and sleep, For Thou, O Jehovah, alone, In confidence dost cause me to dwell!" [5]. This confidence emerges not from circumstances but from God himself, who enables believers to rest even amid adversity.
The Biblical Foundation of Rest
The concept of rest extends beyond physical repose to encompass spiritual peace under the gospel. Hebrews 4:3 states, "For we which have believed do enter into rest," describing not eternal rest but "spiritual rest in Christ under the Gospel dispensation, which is a rest from the burden of the law of Moses, and from all toil and labour for life, and salvation by works, and lies in an enjoyment of much inward peace of soul, notwithstanding the world's troubles and Satan's temptations" [7]. This rest remains accessible to believers who approach it through faith, though the danger of unbelief persists: "May we be diligent, then, to enter into that rest, that no one in the same example of the unbelief may fall" [2].
Patience as the Pathway
Scripture consistently links trials to the cultivation of patience, which in turn produces hope. Romans 5:3-4 traces this progression: trials lead to patience, "And patience trial; and trial hope" [4]. This patience is not passive resignation but active endurance, to be exercised "Running the race set before us... Bringing forth fruits... Well-doing... Waiting for God" [1]. The exhortation to "Rest in—literally, 'Be silent to the Lord'... Be submissive—avoid petulance and murmurings, anger and rash doing" [9] captures the posture Scripture commends.
Trust Grounded in God's Promises
Hope anchored in God's promises sustains believers through affliction. This hope is "In God... In Christ... In God's promises... In the mercy of God," obtained "through Grace... The word... Patience and comfort of the Scriptures... The gospel... Faith" [3]. Isaiah 30:15 counsels, "in returning and rest shall ye be saved," urging a return to God through repentance rather than self-reliant schemes [6]. The promise of rest remains "left us" [8], still available to those who trust rather than harden their hearts in unbelief.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Patience — God, is the God of -- Ro 15:5. Christ, an example of -- Isa 53:7; Ac 8:32; Mt 27:14. Enjoined -- Tit 2:2; 2Pe 1:6. Should have its perfect work -- Jas 1:4. Trials of saints lead to -- Ro 5:3; Jas 1:3. Produces Experience. -- Ro 5:4. Hope. -- Ro 15:4. Suffering with, for well-doing, is acceptable with God -- 1Pe 2:20. To be exercised Running the race set before us. -- Heb 12:1. Bringing forth fruits. -- Lu 8:15. Well-doing. -- Ro 2:7; Ga 6:9. Waiting for God. -- Ps 37:7; 40:1. Waiting for Christ. -- 1Co 1:7; 2Th 3:5. Waiting for the hope of the gospel. -- R”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 4:11 (YLT) — May we be diligent, then, to enter into that rest, that no one in the same example of the unbelief may fall,”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Hope — In God -- Ps 39:7; 1Pe 1:21. In Christ -- 1Co 15:19; 1Ti 1:1. In God's promises -- Ac 26:6,7; Tit 1:2. In the mercy of God -- Ps 33:18. Is the work of the Holy Spirit -- Ro 15:13; Ga 5:5. Obtained through Grace. -- 2Th 2:16. The word. -- Ps 119:81. Patience and comfort of the Scriptures. -- Ro 15:4. The gospel. -- Col 1:5,23. Faith. -- Ro 5:1,2; Ga 5:5. The result of experience -- Ro 5:4. A better hope brought in by Christ -- Heb 7:19. Described as Good. -- 2Th 2:16. Lively. -- 1Pe 1:3. Sure and steadfast. -- Heb 6:19. Gladdening. -- Pr 10:28. Blessed. -- Tit ”
- Romans “Romans 5:4 (DRC) — And patience trial; and trial hope;”
- Psalms “Psalms 4:8 (YLT) — In peace together I lie down and sleep, For Thou, O Jehovah, alone, In confidence dost cause me to dwell!”
- Isaiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Isaiah 30:15: For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel,.... This is still repeated, though displeasing to the carnal Jews, who, notwithstanding their ill behaviour to the Lord, condescends to give them the best advice, as follows: in returning and rest shall ye be saved; or "may be saved" (o); this is the right and the only way, namely, by "returning" from their evil ways, particularly their purpose of going to Egypt for help, and by returning to God by repentance and reformation, and to his worship and ordinances; and so the Targum, "if ye return to my law;'' and”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 4:3: For we which have believed do enter into rest,.... Not eternal rest; all believers shall enjoy this, and they only; but this is not now, or at present enjoyed, unless things future may be said to be present, because of faith in them, and the certainty of them but spiritual rest in Christ under the Gospel dispensation, which is a rest from the burden of the law of Moses, and from all toil and labour for life, and salvation by works, and lies in an enjoyment of much inward peace of soul, notwithstanding the world's troubles and Satan's temptations; and such who believe ”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 4 (introduction): THE PROMISE OF GOD'S REST IS FULLY REALIZED THROUGH CHRIST: LET US STRIVE TO OBTAIN IT BY HIM, OUR SYMPATHIZING HIGH PRIEST. (Heb. 4:1-16) Let us . . . fear--not with slavish terror, but godly "fear and trembling" (Phi 2:12). Since so many have fallen, we have cause to fear (Heb 3:17-19). being left us--still remaining to us after the others have, by neglect, lost it. his rest--God's heavenly rest, of which Canaan is the type. "To-day" still continues, during which there is the danger of failing to reach the rest. "To-day," rightly us”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 37:7: Rest in--literally, "Be silent to the Lord." and wait--Be submissive--avoid petulance and murmurings, anger and rash doing.”