On June 5, my pastor preached a sermon on God’s Rest. Entering God’s rest is part of moving into the maturity we are called to in the book of Hebrews. Pastor Tri shared four principles for coming into God’s rest:
- Come to a true Sabbath — it isn’t a day of the week; it’s solitude, devotion, silence before God, sitting in His presence, being still before Him.
- Come to an authentic faith — we must believe and hold firm; it’s a worldview, a perspective of life.
- Come to a life in His Word — if you aren’t in His Word, His rest can’t penetrate your life; the Word changes your attitude and there is no rest with a bad attitude.
- Come to the Cross and His grace and mercy — we cannot get to God’s rest apart from receiving Christ’s grace and mercy.
Yesterday, in my read through the Bible, I arrived in the Book of Psalms. I love the Psalms. I love the honesty and the humanity of those who wrote the Psalms. I want to show that same honesty when I enter the throne room in prayer.
In my reading yesterday and today, I came upon verses that spoke to my heart about God’s rest:
I lay down and slept.
I woke up in safety,
for the LORD was watching over me. (Psalms 3:5)I will lie down in peace and sleep,
for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe. (Psalms 4:8)No wonder my heart is filled with joy,
and my mouth shouts his praises!
My body rests in safety. (Psalms 16:9)
A beautiful truth. God’s people can enter into His rest. God’s people can lay down and sleep, even when those who would do them harm are in hot pursuit.
Father-God, I’m so grateful for the rest that is mine through You. I surrender to Your will in my life for I know You watch over me, that You love me, and that You have a plan and a purpose for my life. Jesus, I love You. Amen.
-rlh-
