Life Journal, July 7, 2008
Today's readings: Hosea 10-12; Psalm 73; Hebrews 4

Sabbath Rest

Scripture

God's promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. For this good news--that God has prepared this rest--has been announced to us just as it was to them. But, it did them no good because they didn't share the faith of those who listened to God [they didn't combine what they heard with faith]. For only we who believe can enter his [God's] rest. As for the others, God said,

"In my anger I took an oath;

'They will never enter my place of rest,'"

even though this rest has been ready since he made the world. We know it is ready because of the place in the Scriptures where it mentions the seventh day: "On the seventh day God rested from all his work." But in the other passage, God said, "They will never enter my place of rest."

So God's rest is there for people to enter, but those who first heard this good news failed to enter because they disobeyed God. So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. . . . So there is a special rest [a Sabbath rest] still waiting for the people of God. For all who have entered into God's rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall.

Hebrews 4.1-11

Observation

We are called to rest in God regularly--Sabbath rest.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

We live in a world of tired and driven people. If we stop--we might lose--we have to do more and more and more. No time for time off. And then when we take time off--even it is driven to accomplish more and more. How different the world might be if we actually took time to just be in the presence of God--to rest in Him--to find refreshment and renewal in Him.

It is funny--we think we can't "afford" to rest--that we must constantly be going and doing . . . and yet, God when He created the world and everything in it--rested! He set a pattern for us to follow. We were created for a rhythm. Think how much less stress we would have in our lives if we lived the way that God created us to live. But, we don't trust God enough to just stop the craziness and rest. I am so guilty. I give in to the pressures of my "job" and life and expectations and it seems that there is never just time for God and rest. There is always more to do --more to accomplish. But the question is--is it things that God is asking me to do--or the expectations of others/myself??

I must learn how to rest. If I can't do it how can I encourage others to do it? How can I respect those who do it without feeling resentful? God has not called us to a life of craziness--but to a life of peace. It is up to me to draw the boundaries. Am I willing to slow down and listen to God? Am I willing to give God first place in my life--not activity? Today is the time for my first steps in to the arms of God's rest.

Prayer

Father, I am tired. I need to learn to take a Sabbath rest. I need to learn to pull away and spend time with You and just be--not just doing. Help me Lord to be better at drawing my boundaries. Help me to bring joy to You by loving You enough to spend time with You.