‘Back to Basics’ was an attempt to relaunch the government of the British Prime Minister John Major in 1993. For those of us who remember, it was the slogan announced at the Conservative Party Conference of that year and was intended to focus on issues of law and order, education and public probity. It was widely interpreted to be a moral initiative, attempting to focus people’s attention on basic issues that really mattered.
‘Back to basics’ has a completely different focus for me, however! I usually use the phrase when I feel I need to slow down, re-focus my attention on God, and meditate again on key issues, perhaps the things that the writer to the Hebrews called ‘elementary teachings about Christ’! (see Hebrews 6:1)
This week, my ‘back to basics’ has included meditating on the need to be still before God and rest in Him, trusting Him to work things out which are beyond my control and abilities.
Here are some of the key verses I have been meditating on:
“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’” (Ps 46:10)
“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)
“My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quietened myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and for evermore.” (Ps 131)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:28-30)
‘Come to Me’, Aaron Shust
If I took a poll of Christians, I would guess that any or all of these verses would rank somewhere in their Top 10 of Bible verses. Certainly, I have found these verses to be strengthening and encouraging at different points in my life. It’s often not that we need ‘new truth’ or fresh revelation, but we do need God’s rest and strength. When we’re struggling, it’s good to slow down, rest and receive from God all that we need to carry on.