REST ON EVERY SIDE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 2 Kings 5:2-5
Supporting Texts: 1 Kings 5:4, Psalm 46:10, Hebrews 4:9–11, Exodus 33:14, Philippians 4:6–7
INTRODUCTION:
Many people today are troubled—mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Life is full of struggles, battles, and restlessness, yet God’s promise to His people remains the same: “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” True rest is not the absence of activity but the presence of peace and divine assurance even in the midst of life’s demands.
In 1 Kings 5:4, Solomon testifies, “But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrence.” This is a divine possibility—rest on every side. It is when God removes the agitation, the adversaries, and the anxieties, and causes you to enter His rest.
In 2 Kings 5, though Naaman was a mighty man of valour, he lacked rest in one critical area of his life—his health. It shows that you can be successful and still be restless unless God intervenes. The rest God offers is holistic—it touches every area of your life.
Let us explore what it means to enter into divine rest on every side and how to walk into that reality.
1. GOD’S PROMISE OF REST IS REAL
God is not a man that He should lie. His promises are trustworthy and available to all who walk with Him.
a) God Gave Rest to Solomon — 1 Kings 5:4
There was neither adversary nor evil occurrence because of God’s covenant faithfulness.
b) God’s Rest Comes with His Presence — Exodus 33:14
When God goes with you, peace follows you.
c) There is a Rest for the People of God — Hebrews 4:9
It is our spiritual inheritance in Christ.
d) God Grants Rest in the Midst of Battles — 2 Chronicles 14:6
Even in seasons of challenge, God can give you rest.
Biblical Example: Joshua and the children of Israel experienced rest after many conquests (Joshua 21:44).
2. REST ON EVERY SIDE INCLUDES EVERY AREA OF LIFE
God’s rest is not partial. It covers your spiritual, financial, marital, health, and emotional life.
a) Rest in Your Spirit — Philippians 4:6–7
God gives peace that passes understanding.
b) Rest in Your Mind — Isaiah 26:3
He keeps in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on Him.
c) Rest in Your Finances — Deuteronomy 8:18
God empowers you to prosper without sorrow.
d) Rest in Your Relationships — Proverbs 16:7
When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even enemies to be at peace with him.
Biblical Example: Job was restored and had peace on every side after his trials (Job 42:10-17).
3. OBEDIENCE AND FAITH ARE KEYS TO ENTERING GOD’S REST
Rest does not come by chance; it comes by trusting and obeying God.
a) Faith is Required to Enter Rest — Hebrews 4:2
The Word must be mixed with faith to be profitable.
b) Obedience Unlocks Rest — Isaiah 1:19
Willingness and obedience lead to fulfilment.
c) Trust in God and Do Not Worry — Matthew 6:31-33
Seek first God’s kingdom and rest will follow.
d) Surrender to God’s Will — Psalm 37:5-7
Rest comes when you commit your way to Him.
Biblical Example: The Canaanite woman received healing for her daughter by faith (Matthew 15:21-28).
4. GOD’S REST COMES AFTER DIVINE ENCOUNTERS
One encounter with God can bring rest from years of affliction.
a) God Used a Little Maid to Point Naaman to His Healing — 2 Kings 5:2-5
Divine rest often starts with divine direction.
b) Prophetic Instructions Bring Supernatural Rest — 2 Kings 5:10
Naaman’s obedience to Elisha’s word led to his healing.
c) Divine Encounters Reposition Destinies — Genesis 32:24-30
Jacob wrestled with God and entered a new season.
d) One Night with God Can End Years of Struggle — Acts 12:6-10
Peter was delivered from prison by angelic visitation.
Biblical Example: The widow of Zarephath found rest from famine through prophetic encounter (1 Kings 17:8-16).
5. REST ON EVERY SIDE IS A COVENANT REALITY IN CHRIST
In Christ, we are redeemed from turmoil and called into rest.
a) Christ is Our Rest — Matthew 11:28-30
He gives rest to the weary and burdened.
b) The Cross Paid for Our Peace — Isaiah 53:5
By His chastisement, we have peace.
c) We Have Authority to Enforce Our Rest — Luke 10:19
Use your authority to silence storms.
d) Abide in Christ to Enjoy His Peace — John 15:5
Fruitfulness and peace flow from abiding.
Biblical Example: Paul had peace in the midst of a shipwreck because he had Christ (Acts 27:22-25).
CONCLUSION:
Rest on every side is not a myth—it is a divine reality. God wants to give you rest in every area of life. Whether it is your health, your marriage, your finances, your career, or your spiritual walk, God is able to silence the adversaries and bring you into a place of peace.
Just like Naaman, your rest may begin with a step of obedience. God is still using simple means to bring mighty breakthroughs. Don’t look down on divine instructions or prophetic counsel—your miracle may be hidden in them.
Stay in God’s presence, walk in obedience, and trust in His Word. He will give you rest on every side.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, I receive Your peace in every troubled area of my life.
2. Father, silence every adversary that threatens my rest.
3. I break out of every cycle of restlessness and affliction.
4. Holy Spirit, lead me into divine encounters for rest.
5. Let Your covenant of peace be established in my life.
6. Father give me rest in my home, health, finances, and ministry.
7. Let every storm in my life be stilled by the voice of the Lord.
8. Father, give me grace to obey and trust You completely.
9. Release angelic intervention where human help has failed.
10. I enter into my season of rest on every side in Jesus’ name.
