In Christ, Rest

Is it true that relaxation has grown elusive?

The pressures of life may push you to the point where you wish to withdraw from the present moment and simply dwell in a space that allows you to relax for a bit. However, the rest that God delivers is not the same as the momentary respite that we might all be looking for. His rest can only be found in Jesus Christ. It's not something that can be articulated in human terms; it's something that we experience by trusting Christ and surrendering to him.. In Hebrews, God explained that the children of Israel did not enter into his rest because of their disobedience. They were too terrified to accept God at his word. They did not believe God could deliver the Promised Land into their hands, as he had promised. They denied themselves the opportunity to embrace all that God had prepared for them by deciding not to risk trusting him when they were scared.

A hardened heart refuses to listen to God's still small voice – the invitation to turn from the world and the pleasures of sin to a life of purity and completeness in Christ. It might seem too simple to believe that God enables us to do so by grace, and that all we have to do is walk by faith, rather than sight, but that is what the Christian life is all about.

Is this rest available to us? Yes! God extends this to "today." If you hear the message of God's saving grace, now is your day. He desires that we all be partakers of his rest, which can only be enjoyed if we truly embrace the deliverance from sin that Christ provides. True rest can only be found in Jesus Christ.

Heavenly Father, I trust in the finished work of Christ at the cross. Today, I joyfully enter into the rest that you have graciously provided. Thank you for forgiving all my sins and coming to dwell in me by your Spirit so that I have all the resources I need to love you and obey you by faith. Come, transform me so that I become more and more like Jesus. Thank you for writing my name in the Lamb’s book of life. Amen.

Throughout This Day: Worship the Lord in thanksgiving for the rest that he has given to you today in Christ Jesus.

Welcome to the family of God!