John 6:68-69, New Living Translation

“Simon Peter replied, ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.’”

I remember when I was young, I used to listen to music all the time. When I look back on that time, it makes me wonder if I was afraid of the silence. Now that I am older, I have a deeper appreciation of silence, because with silence, there comes quiet, there comes peace, and there comes rest. It is so easy to get caught up in the noise of the world and forget to take time to rest in the Lord, to rest in His presence. To make it through this sojourn, we really need to be spending time with Him. As Peter responded to Jesus, “… ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.’” (John 6:68-69, NLT)

Jesus, the Messiah, is the Holy One of God. There is no other person or god that has the power to save, the power to heal, the power to restore… I am reminded of this song:

I am weak but Thou art strong

Jesus keep me from all wrong

I’ll be satisfied as long as I walk

Dear Lord, close to thee

Just a closer walk with Thee 

Grant it Jesus, is my plea

Daily walkin’ close to Thee

Let it be, dear Lord, let it be

Through this world of toils and snares

If I falter Lord, who cares?

Who with me my burden shares?

None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee

Just a closer walk with Thee

Grant it Jesus, is my plea

Daily walkin’ close to Thee

Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

When my feeble life is o’er

And time for me will be no more

Guide me gently, safely o’er

To Thy kingdom dear Lord, to Thy shore.

Just a closer walk with Thee

Grant it Jesus, is my plea

Daily walkin’ close to Thee

Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

I need the Word of life to guide me, to strengthen me, to help me. This world and the cares of this world can be a heavy burden to bear when we are caught up in the moments of life that draw our attention. Doing things in our own strength can also take away from the strength we have, and leave us worn out and feeling far from God.

The Bible tells us, “Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” (James 4:8, NLT) The world can fill our heads with pretty little lies that sound so good and so convincing. But as we have already learned, Jesus has the words of eternal life.

Jesus openly invites us, “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.’” (Matthew 11:28-30, NLT) Will you accept His invitation today? Will you take time in the quiet to rest and hear the voice of our Savior? He is calling, and He is waiting to walk close to you and to talk with you.

Lord, I know that this world can keep us busy. Will you help us to take time to walk and talk with you, to draw near to you and far from the world.  We need You, for you have the words of eternal life. May we find our rest, peace, and strength in You. In Jesus name. Amen.