A Worship Moment: "O My Soul Will Rest on Jesus"
For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.—Psalm 62:1, 2
I heard this for the first time at a CCEF national conference (probably the one before COVID changed everything…2019?). It’s one I listen to on repeat because, honestly, trusting God alone (and not myself or anything else) is a struggle for me.
(Due to copyright restrictions, I’ll direct you to their track list for the lyrics. You can right-click on the “Download” button next to the track and open it in a new window if you’d like.)
I like to listen to a new song several times and then use it as the basis for reflection, prayer and worship:
Stanza 1: Trusting God in Moments of Fear
If you are in a season of darkness that tempts you to fear, what are some promises of Jesus you can hold on to?
What will it mean to “cling to what He’s promised”? How will you put all your hope in Christ in this situation? How will it affect your thinking? your actions?
Stanza 2: Trusting God in Times of Guilt or Shame
The song gives an example of a lie that Satan may tempt you to believe. What are some lies that he has whispered to you in your lowest moments of guilt or shame?
What is the “louder” words from heaven that you will choose to cling to?
Stanza 3: Trusting God in the Storms and Battles of Life
We live in a broken world and experience hardship that we do not ask for: disease, war, persecution, etc. In what way do you feel like you’re in the midst of a storm or battlefield?
Consider the imagery of God as our rock, hiding place and fortress (e.g. Ps. 32:7). How does this imagery bring hope and comfort? What keeps you from resting and trusting in His protection?
Stanza 4: Trusting God at Death
What do you feel when you think about the end of your life? Hope? Fear?
How does the presence of Jesus make a difference when you think about death?
One more thought:
Find the words “alone” and “all” in the song. Would you be able to say this authentically? What might keep you from doing so? Are there other things you put your hope in? How much of your hope is found in Christ, if not all?
As I reflected on this song, I realized that the word “rest” is important. When my soul is at rest, I am trusting in Christ, not what I see, feel, or think. However, if it is not at rest, I often need to stop and ask myself what is keeping me from doing so.
May the Lord use this song and reflection to strengthen your faith and hope in Him, no matter what, no matter when.
