ENTERING INTO GOD'S REST

Hebrews 4:10-11 …he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from works as God did from His. Let us, therefore, be diligent to enter that rest…

God values rest and so should you.

We see in the Creation story that God rested on the seventh day. He called it the “Sabbath” and there is something practically important here:

  • You need physical rest. You need breaks from work and you need sleep. Both of these will bring times of refreshing so you can function at an optimal level.

  • You need emotional rest. You might not be physically tired, so why are you drained, why do you have a persistent ache of restlessness in your soul? It’s because you need emotional rest. Long hours in the office or in ministry will emotionally drain you and you need to replenish your emotional state through rest.

Physical and emotional rest is important, but this scripture is talking about another kind of rest, it’s a spiritual rest of the heart.

In the Old Testament God commanded a Sabbath day rest. It was a rest from physical/emotional works. But today He wants you to live in a spiritual sabbath, it's a perpetual rest.

Matthew 11:28-30 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.”

What Jesus is talking about is a rest of the heart where you carry a belief and trust in God enabling you to live worry-free and anxiety-free. That is freedom from fear. These vices of the devil will wear you down taking years and health off your life faster than anything!

A “restless” life is typified by the way the world lives. Driven by their need for control, they trust their intellect, effort, and ability over God. When success doesn't come, they try harder, work longer and it only wears them out. But entering into God’s rest is not about trying harder, working longer, or doing more.

How do we enter this Rest? Firstly, start by seeing Jesus' grace. Believe He loves you and is your source and supply. Secondly, end the works mindset and stop depending upon yourself.

Jesus promises a rest and it comes by TRUSTING and BELIEVING Him over yourself or things of this world. Allowing God’s Word to nourish your spirit, soul, and body. Be hydrated through praying in the spirit. Finally, believe right – by seeing the Lord’s grace towards you.

Pastor Wayne Simpson


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

When you are at rest with God, He goes to work in your life!