Jan 18, 2023 filed under Mercy, Trust.

Hand reaching out to God

Psalm 95 tells us that if we let our hearts go astray by not listening to God’s voice, we will not enter into his rest. That is, we will stay agitated and restless.

Saint Augustine famously wrote that our hearts are restless until we rest in God. So what is the “rest” they are talking about and how can we obtain it in our harried and distracted lives?

Mercy visits the supermarket
In the grocery store yesterday, I ran across a fellow parishioner in her motorized wheelchair. Janice is an intelligent woman with a smile that lights up the room. But her physical condition renders her near impossible to understand when she speaks. Setting out to walk with her as she shopped, I became fearful that I would not understand her side of the conversation.

Then a wave of trust came over me. Suddenly, I was sure that the God who had brought us together at this moment would enable me to understand everything she said. And that’s what happened! God made it possible for me to easily understand her, so our conversation took on a lightness and ease that could only have come from God’s action. This was a tremendous gift—at least to me.

Some of Janice’s abundant trust overflowed into my soul yesterday. If trusting that things will work out is a kind of “rest” in God, then God showed me through her how far I have to go in the trust department. Janice sails off in her wheelchair, uphill several blocks to the grocery store, not knowing whether anyone will understand her or where help to reach for a box of cereal will come from. She simply sets off trusting that God will provide.

Janice’s trust gives me a greater sense that God is guiding me moment by moment, whether I feel it or not. Through her, God has reassured me that if I trust his guidance, I will be doing his will—whether I can perceive it or not. This is how the mercy of God, his “rest,” can show itself in day-to-day life.

If I pray for God’s guidance, and then trust I’m receiving it during the day, I don’t have to feel like I have to make everything happen! I can “rest” in God.

Keeping a soft heart
Psalm 95 says “if today you hear his voice, harden not your heart.” Resting deep within God’s heart softens our heart.

My conversation with Janice shows me that God, who created all things, will bring forth fruit for his Kingdom out of every moment of our lives, if we develop a habit of keeping our heart soft and resting in his mercy. The way to rest in his inexhaustible mercy is by trust.

Can we trust today, this moment, that God’s merciful will is bringing forth great fruit in his Kingdom from our ordinary life, even if we don’t see many good things happening?

St. Faustina had the same trouble we do in trusting in the face of “not much happening.” She told Jesus:

“Oh, how often You have poured into my soul courage and perseverance to go forward. It is You yourself who removed obstacles from my road….Although my efforts may remain invisible on earth, they are no less valuable in Your eyes.”

Jesus answered her:

“My child, know that the greatest obstacles to holiness are discouragement and an exaggerated anxiety. All temptations united together ought not disturb your interior peace, not even momentarily. Sensitiveness and discouragement are the fruits of self-love. You should not become discouraged, but strive to make My love reign in place of your self-love. Have confidence, My child” (Diary 1488).

“My child, life on earth is a struggle indeed; a great struggle for My kingdom. But fear not, because you are not alone. I am always supporting you, so lean on Me as you struggle, fearing nothing. Take the vessel of trust and draw from the fountain of life….” (Diary 1489).

Jesus goes on to explain that what can seem like nothing to us means everything to him:

“A single act of love pleases me more than a thousand imperfect prayers. One of your sighs of love atones for many offenses with which the godless overwhelm Me. The smallest act of virtue has unlimited value in My eyes because of your great love for Me” (Diary 1489).

Love (and trust!) always,
Rose

P.S.
Does your prayer life feel a little empty? If you’re not sure whether God’s even listening — or if you feel like your mind is in 49 places at once when you pray, grab a complimentary Spiritual Clarity Call with me. You’ll get crystal clear on where you are with God right now and what your next best step is to get closer to Him. Then we’ll look to see if and how I can help you receive the connection with God you’ve always wanted. Spaces are limited, so schedule a call today: https://calendly.com/vir2connection/chat-with-rose

19 Responses to “How to Rest in God’s Mercy”

    • Marie Terrien

      Thank you Rose for all the uplifting spiritual messages! Have a blessed day.

  1. Doris

    Your message has been a great help to me this morning, Rose. I thank you every Sunday!

  2. Beverly Gribbin

    Thank you Rose for the inspiration on always placing our Trust in God.
    I loved the pic of the beautiful daffodils!!!

  3. Debbie

    Hi Rose
    As always I enjoy your Sunday morning spiritual emails.
    St Faustina is one of my very favorite Saint. Her relationship with Jesus is so powerful, and heart warming. I listen to Fr Joe Roesch MIC (Rome) as he is reading St Faustina’s Diary Day 301- entries 1697/1701.
    Thank you,
    In His Holy Name
    Debbie

    • Debbie

      Oh having one or many of those Holy Moments like you did in the store, is a blessing for sure.

      Debbie

  4. Debbie

    Oh having one or many of those Holy Moments like you did in the store, is a blessing for sure.

    Debbie

  5. Ann Kehoe

    Resting in God requires trusting in God and trusting in God is required in order to rest in God.
    Thank you Rose for your beautiful words of mercy and encouragement to all.

  6. Carol Desautels

    Thank you Rose. A beautiful story. It touched my heart.
    Carol

  7. MaryAlice Ruiz

    Thank you Rose. I have a cochlear implant so my hearing is good but at times during the sermon at Mass I ask God for better hearing so i can hear and understand the sermon. Your encouraging words of trust help me remember to sincerely trust that God will open my ears to hear better at that time. I tend to ask but sometimes I don’t put my whole trust in God’s powerful love and mercy. Thank you for all your messages. I am blessed every time I read them.
    MaryAlice Ruiz

  8. Anne Gordon

    Thank you so much Rose. I always feel calmer and closer to Jesus after your readings. I don’t often say anything but I look forward to your words every week.
    You help me so much with my spiritual life.

  9. Mary E Stroud

    Thank you for sharing this wonder filled meditation. God bless you abundantly.

  10. Tom Roberts

    Wow, was I surprised when I read in the catechism that despair is a sin. That means that I can do something about it.