Rest and Victory Found in Seeking God(Selah Part 4)
There is an invitation from God to enter into intentional rest—not the kind the world offers, but a deep, soul-satisfying rest that comes from knowing Him, trusting Him, and making space for His presence in our daily lives. As we've explored the acronym REST—Remember, Exalt, Surrender, and Trust—we’re learning how to dwell in God’s presence and encounter His peace in every circumstance.
Jehovah El Roi: The God Who Sees You
One of the names of God is Jehovah El Roi, "The God who sees me." This name comes from the story of Hagar in Genesis, when she is alone in the desert and God meets her in her desperation. She proclaims, “You are the God who sees me.”
God sees you too. In every moment—whether you feel hidden, forgotten, or overwhelmed—He is the God who sees and the God who provides. In remembering who He is, we exalt Him for being trustworthy and ever-present. From that place, we can surrender every hidden or anxious place in our lives, trusting that He has gone before us, is behind us, and is with us.
Intentional Encounter and Rest Can Coexist
At first, the idea of “intentional encounter” seemed at odds with the word “rest.” How can we actively pursue God and still live from a place of rest?
The answer came as I leaned into scripture. In 2 Chronicles 14, we read about King Asa who “did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God.” He tore down idols, commanded the people to seek God, and in response, the Lord gave them peace on every side. Their intentional pursuit of God led directly to His rest and victory.
“We have sought the Lord, and he has given us peace on every side.” – 2 Chronicles 14:7 (ESV)
God has made it clear: when we seek Him, we find Him—and in finding Him, we find peace.
Remembering and Exalting the Beloved
It starts with remembering. Remember who God is and what He’s done. He is the Beloved, and we are His beloved. Before we ever chose Him, He chose us. His wild, radical love led Him to the cross—humbling Himself to the point of death so that we could be brought near.
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8 (ESV)
In response, we exalt Him. We let His love transform our hearts so that our natural desire becomes doing what is good and right in His eyes.
Tearing Down the Idols
Just as Asa removed the false gods in Judah, we too must identify and remove the idols in our own lives—things we’ve exalted above God, whether it’s comfort, fear, control, reputation, or self.
This happens when we allow the Holy Spirit to search us, reveal what’s in us, and lead us in His ways:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!” – Psalm 139:23 (ESV)
We tear down idols by confessing our sin and turning from counterfeit sources of rest—those things that distract, numb, or temporarily pacify us—so we can experience the true rest that only Jesus brings.
Surrendering and Trusting
Obedience flows from love. When we love God, we obey His word. That’s surrender—placing every part of our lives under His lordship.
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” – John 14:15 (ESV)
Surrender leads to trust. We trust in His promises, His nature, and His word. Like the man who found a treasure in a field and gave everything to obtain it (Matthew 13), we find joy in seeking God with our whole hearts.
Seeking God in the Way He Made You
There is no “one right way” to connect with God. He created you with purpose and uniqueness, and He wants to meet you in that place. Some find Him in creativity, others in nature, worship, solitude, movement, or study. There is freedom to encounter Him in the way He designed you to.
Let’s break the lie that says your relationship with God must look like someone else’s. The only essential is this: connect with Him daily and let His Word and presence fill your life.
“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” – Psalm 105:4 (ESV)
You Were Made for His Presence
We were made for His presence. We were made to know Him, to enjoy Him, to live from the rest and victory that He purchased on the cross. His invitation remains the same: Come. Seek Him, and He will be found.
“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you.” – Jeremiah 29:13-14 (ESV)
Let’s be a people who seek the Lord with our whole hearts. Let’s tear down the idols, remember His love, exalt Him in every season, surrender our ways, and trust in His faithfulness.
Reflection Questions
What are the “counterfeit rests” in your life that God might be inviting you to lay down?
In what ways has God uniquely designed you to connect with Him? How can you make space for that this week?
What would it look like to seek God daily with your whole heart? Where can you begin today?