Would you say that your life is characterized as restful?  In our frenetic 24/7 society you may even wonder if it’s possible.  Take a look at this tremendous promise from God’s word,

So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.  (Hebrews 4:9)

You’re thinking that the writer of that verse probably didn’t have young children, but don’t miss the blessing of that promise.  You may wonder, “How does one experience that rest?”  Our last blog post revealed one way not to experience God’s rest is by having a hardened, unbelieving heart.  The writer of the book of Hebrews enjoins the reader,

Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience.  (Hebrews 4:11)

It may seem paradoxical that you must be “diligent” to enter into “rest”.  When you exercise aerobically you elevate your heart rate but the result is a slow and steady resting pulse.  It is the same way in the spiritual realm – as you diligently trust God you will experience His rest in your life. The purpose is so you don’t fall, but stand strong.  God’s word is filled with negative examples of what not to do, The Apostle Paul writes,

Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.  (1 Corinthians 10:11)

Learn vicariously from their negative examples so you don’t make the same mistakes.  As you walk by faith with a heart that is tender toward God you too will experience His rest in your life.

Dr. Rick Higgins
Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University