As autumn arrives in my corner of the world, it turns the temperature down while turning green leaves gold and red. Aside from creating a vibrant landscape, the fourth quarter is also known for holiday festivities and end-of-year goals. But before my mind turns to goals, gatherings, and gifts, my heart holds a sacred anticipation.

What if we knew the rest of God’s plan? I’m not just referring to the remainder of what God will do in our lives or in His creation. The rest I’m referring to is knowing Him as our refuge. Instead of being preoccupied with what happens next, we can come to God for relief from life’s demands.

And yet, whether our thoughts become unsettling or our desires start to build, the rest God offers starts with us receiving it.

Psalm 91:1-2 says, “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.”

The writer of this psalm is unknown. Some biblical scholars think the author is Moses, while others believe it is David. But whoever wrote these words, the phrase “the shadow of the Almighty,” implies the writer walked closely with God. It may be hard to imagine having such proximity to God’s presence that His shadow becomes our place of safety. But His presence is a place like no other.

I may rest on my sofa reading a book or sipping tea. A firm mattress may support a good night’s sleep. A day off work or a vacation gives us respite from our usual routines. But there is only one refuge where our worries are welcome, our souls are cared for, and our peace is found in a Person.

“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).

It helps me to remember that when life’s pace goes much quicker or slower than I plan. I continue to learn that missing an opportunity or wrestling with a hurt does not mean God’s plan is diminished. In fact, Christ’s redemption means that our worst day, a constant struggle, and our endless questions have a resting place. Him.

As we receive Jesus’s rest, tension leaves and blessed assurance builds. Our soul becomes settled as we become convinced that God will do what only God can do to accomplish His will.

Whether we know the comfort of God’s faithfulness and love or if we’re just starting to ponder faith possibilities, we are welcome to become more acquainted with God’s power. Friend, I know what it’s like to have a nagging curiosity about when a problem will be solved or when a dream will come true. And yet, God has a plan for how the world proceeds on an earthly and eternal timeline. (Ecclesiastes 3:11 and Isaiah 14:26-27) Hence, the rest Christ offers doesn’t mean we have to have everything figured out. That’s God’s job.

As we rest in His care, God’s wisdom anchors us. His peace settles us, and by His grace, we can move on to where He leads – even when what’s next is unclear. So, how are you doing with the rest of God’s plan for your life? Some days, I wrestle with what I need to release. But grace gives us a sacred irony. Knowing the rest of God’s plan is often revealed as we learn to take our rest in Christ redemption.