Lenten Devotion – What Is God’s Rest?
Day 16, 2 March 2024
“For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.” Hebrews 4:8-11
Rest. What is rest? I think of sleeping, reading books, and lounging on my sofa watching Netflix and K-drama. Is that what God is referring to as rest? What is God’s rest?
Recently, I have been so busy dealing with difficult people, challenges at work and at home, rushing from one place to another, serving in BSF and church, that I did not have time to rest. The inflammation in my hinge and ball-and-socket joints was affecting my sleep, body and mind. I was feeling physically and mentally tired, and I constantly think of switching off my phones and retreating to my comfortable bed.
However, is that what God wants from me? It is often easier to escape, evade and be in denial. The difficult people, the challenges and the stresses will always be there. It is how I handle them, and that is why I need God. I have learnt that I can better handle trials and tribulations, stresses and expectations, emotional upheaval, and conflicts when I turn to God.
I am reminded that when I enter God’s rest daily, any time of the day, reading His word, being still in His presence and listening to Him, I will be blessed and encouraged by His peace and energy, and continue with what I am called to do, for the glory of God.
Let us, therefore make every effort to enter God’s rest.
Elaine Chin