In the stressful world we currently are a part of, we are bombarded daily with more information than seems possible to process.  Overload would be a good word to describe it.  There is much to rob us of our peace and keep us from entering the rest of God.  However, in spite of all that goes on around us and effects us, we must enter the rest of God.

     Hebrews 3 talks about the children of Israel hardening their hearts in rebellion and God declared an oath in His anger, “they shall never enter my rest.”. Then He speaks to us through Paul that it was because of their unbelief, and our own, that keeps us from entering in. “And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not those who disobeyed?  So we see that they were not able to enter because of their unbelief.”  But in chapter 4, he tells us that the promise of entering His rest still stands.  4:3 – “Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,. . .”  Psalm 91:1-2: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will REST in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” 

     Jeremiah 6:16 – “This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find REST for your souls.”

     Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  In this verse Jesus is telling us to, “learn from Him.”  He always trusted in the Father completely, therefore He was at rest and in perfect peace.

     The scripture in Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything  by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

     This is how Jesus did it – He had such constant communion with the Father that everything was made known to Him and He trusted the Father and so there was peace and rest.  That same promise is for us.

     With all that is coming at us, whether in our personal lives or through world events, we have the example of Christ to follow.  Rock steady in His trust and faith in the Father, even in the face of death, He continued steadfastly in His faith and communion with His Father. Always knowing and never waivering in the fact that God’s Word is true, “He is not a man that He should lie nor a son of man, that He should change His mind.  Does He speak and then not act?  Does He promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19).

     “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16).