Read: Proverbs 3:5-8"The one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His.”
- Hebrews 4:10
The theme of "rest" occurs all throughout the Bible. Leviticus 23:7-36 and Numbers 29:1-35 are detailed and picturesque images of what it means to rest in the Lord. In the beginning, God demonstrated for us how to rest, by ceasing from His own labors on the seventh day (Gen 2:1-25).
Rest is a beautiful word. This state of peace invokes a multitude of mental images, such as serene lakes, babbling brooks, graceful swans, a hammock on a spring day, fluffy pillows and a comforter, or an overstuffed chair and a good book. These ideas denote serenity, tranquility, relaxation, repose and sleep.
Rest is freedom from activity or labor, a state of motionlessness, a serene place of lodging, peace that passes all comprehension, a rhythmic silence in music and a bodily state characterized by minimal function and slowed metabolic activities. There is no striving in rest. Rest is more than all of this, however. Most importantly it includes peace of mind and spirit.
Rest is quiescent, motionless, supportive, quiet, rejuvenating and free from anxiety and stress. Examples of rest are to decompress, relax at ease, leisure time, catnapping, dozing, lazing, napping, slumbering, snoozing, stillness, calm, placidity, respite and restfulness. I don’t know about you, but after reading that list, I am ready for a nap!
Throughout the course of history, mankind spent countless hours of time and a tidy sum of money searching for serenity. However, it is not until we find peace with God that we fully enter into our eternal rest. Entering God’s rest means to no longer strive to please God, or to worry about meeting our needs or to rely on our self-efforts (Hebrews 4:1-11). It means to fully trust in our Heavenly Father's love and care, and to allow His Spirit to lead us every step of the way.
Christ’s work upon the cross and God's promises to meet all of our needs sustain us with joy in our hearts (Hebrews 4:3). God advises us not to stress over the evil person, who prospers, because He encourages us to be still before Him and to wait patiently for Him to exact His revenge (Psalm 37:7). Do not even be impressed with your own wisdom (Psalm 127:2). Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones (Proverbs 3:7).
If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior (Matthew 11:28-30). If you already trusted in Christ for Salvation, then rely on Him for every other area of your life as well, and enter into His rest (Exodus 33:14). Take some time to sit in God’s presence and come away renewed and refreshed (Mark 6:31).
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I vow to serve You with all of my heart. I will no longer depend upon my own understanding, but I will put all of my trust in You. I will seek Your will in all that I do, and wait on You to show me which path to take. I will enter into Your rest and find complete solace in Your waiting arms (Isaiah 50:10). Thought for the Day:
One of the most healing states of being is that of resting.
