TobyMac - Rest Lyrics
Lyrics
I woke up to this…
God’s a safe house for the battered
A sanctuary during bad times
The moment you arrive, you relaxed
You’re never sorry, you’re not
Rest, take a breath
Push aside the noise and feel the air inside your chest
Blessed, my child you’re blessed
Fall into the arms of God and rest your weary head
Just rest
Rest
I went to sleep to this…
God keeps in perfect peace
Those who’s mind is stayed on him
I said to myself, relax and rest
Soul, you’ve been rescued from death
Eye, you’ve been rescued from tears
Relax, and rest
Music video by TobyMac, Terrian, Gabe Real performing Rest (Audio).
Video
TobyMac, Terrian, Gabe Real - Rest (Lyric Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on June 16, 2023, TobyMac’s “Rest,” featuring Terrian and Gabe Real, is a profound invitation to experience divine tranquility amidst life's storms. This track transcends mere musicality, offering a spiritual balm that draws directly from the wellspring of biblical truth. The song opens with a powerful declaration: "God’s a safe house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times." This resonates deeply with the psalmist's cry, "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble" (Psalm 9:9). The immediate sense of peace and security that washes over one upon surrendering to God's presence is eloquently captured, assuring the listener that in Him, there is no regret or shame for their struggles.
The core message of "Rest" is an explicit call to embrace spiritual stillness, urging the listener to "take a breath" and "push aside the noise." This echoes the Lord's command in Isaiah 30:15, "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength." The lyrics then transition to a declaration of blessedness, reminding us that we are "blessed" and invited to "fall into the arms of God and rest your weary head." This sentiment aligns with Jesus' own words in Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." The repeated plea to "just rest" serves as a gentle but persistent reminder of where true solace is found.
The song’s narrative arc beautifully illustrates a transition from the anxieties of waking life to the deep peace of sleep, mirroring the constant reliance on God. The powerful assertion, "God keeps in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on him," is a direct echo of Isaiah 26:3, a foundational verse for experiencing unwavering peace. This peace isn't contingent on external circumstances but on an internal orientation towards the divine. The personal reflection that follows, "Soul, you’ve been rescued from death. Eye, you’ve been rescued from tears," speaks to the ultimate deliverance and healing found in Christ. It’s a testament to the salvific power that frees us from spiritual death and comforts us in our deepest sorrows, a promise fulfilled in the redemption offered through faith. The repeated encouragement to "relax and rest" encapsulates the profound freedom and peace that comes from acknowledging God’s protective presence and His redemptive work in our lives. "Rest" isn't just a song; it's a spiritual exercise, a reminder that in surrendering to God, we find our ultimate safe harbor and the deepest peace imaginable.