He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
(Revelation 22:20 NIV)
Where to Rest Our Hearts When We’re Longing for Eternity
Even though Jesus has come to earth to save us, we acknowledge that we are still waiting and praying for him to return and to bring light to this darkened world.
Even after the joyful celebration of Christmas (God’s coming to earth), our hearts are sometimes heavy with the weight of Christ’s delay—there’s still so much that’s wrong with our world. We may be impatient for the peace and rest of the new heaven and earth.
This poem by Christina Rossetti articulates our longing for eternity and prays for grace to rest upon God’s promises while we wait.
“Lord, Grant Us Grace to Rest Upon Thy Word”
Christina Rossetti was born in England to a prominent Italian family who had fled to London as political exiles. She was educated at home by her mother, and shared her interest in poetry with her father and brother who were also published poets. Rossetti began writing poetry as a child and published her first collection when she was 31. She quickly became one of the most famous poets in Victorian England.
Lord, grant us grace to rest upon thy Word,
To rest in hope until we see thy face;
To rest thro’ toil unruffled and unstirred, (Isaiah 26:3)
Lord, grant us grace.This burden and this heat wear on apace:
Night comes, when sweeter than night’s singing bird
Will swell the silence of our ended race. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)Ah, songs which flesh and blood have never heard
And cannot hear, songs of the silent place
Where rest remains! Lord, slake our hope deferred, (Hebrews 11:13-16)
Lord, grant us grace.
(Christina Rossetti, 1830-1894)
Reflection on Rosetti’s Poem
As you reflect on Rosetti’s poem, consider why she describes death (“the silent place where rest remains”) not as a place of despair but as the place where our deferred hopes will be satisfied.
Ask yourself, “Does the Word of God become my place of rest when my burdens are heavy and you’re longing for t? How so?”
Take a moment to read Hebrews 3:7–4:16 as a helpful biblical background to this poem. You will find your reflection to be even richer.
Prayer: Father, we draw near to your throne of grace with confidence expecting that we will receive mercy (Hebrews 4:16). Help us to rest upon your Word when we grow weary, and to find new hope in your promises rather than in the world. Help us to read and remember your promises, to rely on your faithfulness, and to remain in your love. Let your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. And please come back quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.