What Do I Have to do to Get Some Rest?

“There remains, then a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his.”  Hebrews 4:9-10

 

The Sabbath rest is just about unheard of these days.  Even those of us who take time out of our busy schedules to worship on the Lord’s Day, often cram church in between other hectic activities.  And yet, God instituted a day of rest for man’s benefit.  We need that kind of rest.  After God created everything in six days, hH rested on the Sabbath, setting an example for us.

This Sabbath day of rest does include setting aside a day for worship and rest.  But more than that, these verses speak powerfully about us entering God’s rest and resting from our own work.  There are many things in my life that I “work at” on a regular basis.  And truly, God expects Christians to have a good work ethic.  But he has never been impressed with us relying on our works.  We must pray and commit things into His hands, complete our responsibility in the situation, and then we can enter into a “rest” as we trust Him with the results.

You may be asking what that looks like in real life.  Let’s say you believe God to save an unbelieving spouse.  You pray for your spouse, you stand on the promises in God’s Word about the salvation of your family.  You live a Godly witness in front of that spouse, you invite them to church with you and when possible, you witness gently to them about what God has done for you, or share that you are praying for the Lord to help them in the areas they need a touch.  Then you close your mouth, and enter God’s rest.  An unbelieving mate will never be won by nagging and beating them over the head with your Bible. 

This principle applies in many ways across our life.  After we have done everything we know to do, we can rest in Him, knowing He is working out the parts that we cannot touch.

Dear Lord, thank you for offering a rest for your people.  Help me to respect the things that you design for my benefit.  Help me to rest from trusting in myself and to cease from stress and anxiety as I wait on you.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Sherri