Relax and Rest
- Henley Samuel
- May 22
- 4 min read
May 22, 2025
In the journey of faith, we often find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of worry and anxiety. Today, let's explore a powerful truth that can transform our perspective and bring peace to our troubled hearts.
The Father's Celebration
In Luke 15, we encounter a profound story of two sons who responded differently to their father's love. When the younger son returned home after squandering his inheritance, the father threw a grand celebration with music and dancing.
"And when he returned and approached the house, he heard music and dancing." - Luke 15:25
This celebration represents the joy that exists in the Father's house. In God's presence, there is always music, dancing, praising, and rejoicing. The atmosphere of heaven is one of continuous celebration filled with joy, peace, goodness, grace, and favor.
But notice the elder brother's reaction:
"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him." - Luke 15:28
Two Different Responses
Both brothers received the same news, but their reactions were dramatically different. The father welcomed his lost son with open arms and celebration, while the elder brother responded with anger and resentment.
This mirrors how we often respond to God's word and promises. Like the ten spies who saw the Promised Land but returned with a negative report, we sometimes focus on obstacles rather than opportunities. Meanwhile, others, like Joshua and Caleb, see the same circumstances but choose to trust God's faithfulness.
The elder son's refusal to join the celebration was culturally inappropriate and a humiliating rejection of his father. As the older son, he was expected to co-host the event with his father. Instead, he chose to remain outside, wallowing in his bitterness.
Two Types of Believers
This story reveals two types of believers:
Those who remain in the Father's house but refuse to participate in His celebration, they're saved but don't fully embrace God's promises of healing, provision, and miracles.
Those who have wandered far from God's presence altogether.
Regardless of which category you might find yourself in today, the Father's invitation remains open:
"Come and celebrate. Come and enjoy My presence."
The Remedy for Sadness
What causes sadness in our lives? At its core, sadness comes from meditating on lies rather than God's truth. When we focus on our problems, negative reports, or imagined scenarios, we become overwhelmed and discouraged.
But when we meditate on God's Word in His presence, our strength and hope are renewed. We begin to see our current challenges in light of God's faithfulness in the past. Like David, who remembered God's help when facing lions and bears, we can face our present "Goliaths" with confidence.
God's Message to You
In Jude (The Message), we find these beautiful words:
"Relax, everything's going to be all right; rest, everything's coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way!" - Jude 1:1-2
This is God's message to you today. Whatever challenges you're facing, God wants you to relax and trust Him. Your situation may be a surprise to you, but it's not a surprise to God. He has a plan, and He can turn even your failures into favor.
Conclusion
The Father's house is a place of celebration, joy, and rest not worry, anxiety, or fear. When we enter this celebration, we experience the fullness of God's peace and provision.
What you meditate on determines your emotional state. Focus on problems, and sadness takes root. Fix your thoughts on God's faithfulness, and you'll relax into His perfect peace.
The elder brother missed the celebration because he couldn't release his resentment. Don't make the same mistake. Whatever you're facing today financial pressure, relationship struggles, health concerns, or uncertainty, hear the Father's gentle invitation:
"Relax, everything's going to be all right."
Your current challenge may seem overwhelming now, but one day you'll look back and see how God worked everything for your good. Until then, choose to join the celebration. Choose to trust. Choose to rest in the Father's unfailing love.
Reflect on This
What areas of your life do you need to "relax" about and trust God with today?
How might your perspective change if you chose to join the Father's celebration rather than standing outside in anger or fear?
Prayer
Father, I thank You for Your invitation to celebration. Today, I choose to relax in Your presence, knowing that everything will be all right. I open my heart to receive Your love and trust that You're working all things together for my good. I release my worries, fears, and disappointments into Your capable hands. Thank You for turning my failures into favor and my challenges into testimonies. In Jesus' name, I declare that I am participating in Your celebration today and always. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Key Takeaways
Sadness comes from meditating on lies rather than God's truth.
In the Father's house, there is always celebration, joy, and peace.
Our response to circumstances determines whether we experience God's joy or remain in sadness.
Past challenges that once seemed overwhelming often appear insignificant in retrospect.
God's message to us is simple: "Relax, everything's going to be all right."
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To dive deeper into this powerful message, watch the full sermon on our YouTube video below.
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