So then, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; for those who enter God’s rest also cease from their labors as God did from his. Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through such disobedience as theirs. — Hebrews 4:9-11
So far this week we have looked at embracing who we are in Christ, growing in maturity by taking responsibility for our own lives, rejoicing in the Lord no matter the circumstances, taking a regular inventory of sin, and clothing ourselves with Christ.
On the last day of our devotional, we are looking at what it means to rest in God. I have challenged you throughout Lent to look at what is on your spiritual plate, how it got there, and what changes you may need to make. For some of you, it will be very tempting to turn this into a spiritual exercise—make a list of all the things you need to change, and get busy fixing yourself so you are a more spiritual person. As a list-maker myself I understand the temptation.
My encouragement is to make sure you bring Father, Son, and Holy Spirit into this journey. You are called to bear fruit when you abide in Christ, not produce fruit with your own blood, sweat, and tears. You are called to embrace who you are in Christ, not try to be a more positive person so more people will like you.
There is a rest for the people of God—for all of us! When the passage says to make every effort to enter that rest, it sounds like we are being told to try really hard to rest. It is actually saying to keep our focus on resting in God instead of striving to do things our way.
So as we end today, I encourage you to look over the last several weeks to see how you want to live life differently, and then trust God with the process. I do not mean to sit back and wait for God to magically do something, but spend time in prayer. Spend time in silence. Ask God to guide you. Ask God to transform you. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you areas of sin in your life and to help you repent and choose another way.
To Think/Pray About Today
How much do you trust God with your life? How much do you pray for guidance and wait on His will, and how much do you do things your way and tell God He can come along for the ride? Today is the day to trust God completely.
Prayer Focus: Zion Baptist Church
Cedarville United Presbyterian Church 