Today the Bible opened in two places.

First:

The pronouncement of mortal man: “I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God, and I am exhausted.

I am more brute than human being, without even human intelligence; Neither have I learned wisdom, nor have I the knowledge of the Holy One.

Proverbs 30:1-3

And then:

Therefore, let us be on our guard while the promise of entering into his rest remains, that none of you seem to have failed.  For in fact we have received the good news just as they did. But the word that they heard did not profit them, for they were not united in faith with those who listened.  For we who believed enter into [that] rest, just as he has said:

“As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter into my rest,’”

and yet his works were accomplished at the foundation of the world.  For he has spoken somewhere about the seventh day in this manner, “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works”; and again, in the previously mentioned place, “They shall not enter into my rest.” Therefore, since it remains that some will enter into it, and those who formerly received the good news did not enter because of disobedience, he once more set a day, “today,” when long afterwards he spoke through David, as already quoted:

“Oh, that today you would hear his voice: ‘Harden not your hearts.’”

Now if Joshua had given them rest, he would not have spoken afterwards of another day.  Therefore, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God.  And whoever enters into God’s rest, rests from his own works as God did from his.  Therefore, let us strive to enter into that rest, so that no one may fall after the same example of disobedience. Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.  No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.

Hebrews 4:1-13

I often feel like I need rest.  A few more hours of sleep.  A few hours to sit down and just breathe in and out, enjoying the day.  Just a little rest.  Just a few minutes.  I am weary.  I am exhausted.  Weary from the stress of life.  Exhausted from the fast pace of today’s electronic, mobile phone, everything at out fingertips, I-want-it-now life.  When I ask God for rest, I often think in terms of sleep.

Today, the Bible reminds me of the real rest that I am seeking.  God’s rest.  The peace and rest that comes from knowing God.  Proverbs talks about mortal man being weary — because he does not have wisdom, he does not know God.  Hebrews reminds us that we have been promised rest — through God.  It is not something we can achieve without Him.  True rest comes through faith in God, listening to His word and being obedient.  Without that faith the weight of the world can be overwhelming.

Lord,

Let me hear your voice.  Harden not my heart.  Help me to be open to your words and your plans.  I want to find rest in you.

One thought on “O Lord, Give Me Rest

  1. I read this scripture a little differently – not much but maybe a different kind of view. As we all get busy with our lives as you mentioned I think we all feel too busy for God. Those weeks we work over time, then we run our kids to sports or the doctor, go shopping, make dinner, mow the lawn, do the laundry, help with homework, pay the bills etc. Then… God wants me to what? Feed the hungry? Cloth the naked? When do I get a break? Can I just have some me time? THEN I’ll be refreshed and can start all over again. I often fall into this and sometimes I do take some me time – but it never seems to be enough. And then sometimes I am obedient and realize the gifts I have and know what I need to do. And every time I am obedient, I actually feel refreshed! Why? I can only think it’s because I was actually resting in God. Doing His will and hearing Him. I’m not hardening my heart! If you think about it, hardening my heart – that’s exhausting! And when I do His will, I get a little more wisdom. I get to know God a little more. What better way to get to know and become close to someone than to jump in and work closely with him in his ministry?

    You know those stories of two or more individuals, often police officers or soldiers, who are not alike. They aren’t friends, they don’t “hang out” together, they have nothing in common. They are so different from one another and yet they have a strong bond of respect and love for each other. They care bout each other. They are supportive of each other because together they’ve been through so much and worked together toward same goal. There’s an understanding. I am not like Jesus. But every time I “work” with Him, I get closer to Him. I find support. I find love. I find rest in Him.

    Dear Lord, I ditto Patty’s prayer!

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