There is a Rest for the Weary
Hebrews 4:9-11 TPT
9 So we conclude that there is still a full and complete “rest” waiting for believers to experience. 10 As we enter into God’s faith-rest life we cease from our own works, just as God celebrates His finished works and rests in them. 11 So then we must give our all and be eager to experience this faith-rest life, so that no one falls short by following the same pattern of doubt and unbelief.
How often do you find yourself struggling not to be up tight, nervous, or anxious over someone or something? Do you find yourself concerned and restless about what the future may hold, or discouraged over how things may have turned out unexpectedly different than what you had thought? We can also get anxious over what God has prophesied and promised that would happen in our lives, forgetting that His timing and ways are perfect. His Word tells us He will make our way perfect as well. God, our heavenly Father offers us “rest” that is our opportunity that is to be ours and not passed by. God rested on the seventh day after He had finished creating the heavens and the earth and all that is on the earth, including man and woman. He finished His work and then He rested. The Lord would have us as well, enter into His rest that He offers to us. This is not only a physical cessation from work to commemorate God’s perfect creation, but also a spiritual entering into God’s rest, that was made possible through Jesus’ complete redemption. We can rest in His promise that He will make us more than a conqueror and will help us to rest in His victory as we take care of ourselves and honor God. Then, we are to rest our faith in Christ, to trust Him, and to be content and joyful not burden or stressed. In the King James translation, the term “labor into the rest” is penned. Our soul and human nature long to have complete rule and reign in every area of our lives. It is a give and take tug of war between our spirit and our soul as we look to the Lord to submit our soul—our will, emotions, and intellect to the Holy Spirit. Just like a child who has bumps, scrapes and bruises may need a cleaning, salve, and bandages, we too may need the Holy Spirit to interact with us to review and process the happenings of our day, helping us to receive the guidance and care of the Holy Spirit to help us enter into the genuine full rest of the Lord. Our heavenly Father who loves us so wants us to have the rest that is rightfully ours. As a mother longs for her children to be able to have a deep, peaceful sleep, so our Father longs for us to let Him be our great Burden-Bearer, casting all our care on Him for He cares for you.
What about you? Are you anxious, maybe even distraught over things that are troubling you today. Can you carefully and fully give them over to our great Burden-Bearer and let Him carry them, while all the while releasing His great rest to you and me? Trust Him today. His rest is to be your portion today and every day. Remember, He loves you so!
