Our human tendency is to strive to do well and meet the expectations of others. We live under all sorts of pressure. That typically produces anxiety. The LORD, however, isn’t a taskmaster. He looks for efforts from an honest heart that serves Him by serving others.
God in turn rewards us with peace. Therefore, He wants us to cast out fear and worry and focus our thoughts on what is “true, noble and righteous” expressing our thoughts to Him, trusting that “the peace of God which surpasses understanding” will keep you secure in His love (Philippians 4:6-8).
RELEVANCE
God wants us to trust Him. That’s what faith is about; trusting in God’s faithfulness. The children of Israel saw God’s wonders and heard all Moses’ sermons in the wilderness, but when the time came to cross the Jordan to enter the Promised Land—and live a life of faith—they lacked trust in God. Because of that lack of trust, they could not experience the inner peace and rest of God.
“But the message they heard didn’t do them any good, because those who heard it did not combine it with trust. For it is we who have trusted who enter the rest” (Hebrews 3:2-3 JNT).
Jesus brought the Kingdom of God into reality. He related to the people as a son of man, but as the Son of God. He taught and illustrated how to place trusting faith in God to be at peace with God and live in the rest of God.
“Come to me, all of you who are struggling and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because 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” (Matthew11:28-30 JNT).
REFLECT AND RELATE
Make a list of the things weighing you down. Lift it up to the LORD. Then place it by His feet—the place of the cross. Talk to Him. Cry out to Him. Allow Him to lift the burden and give you His rest of soul.
REFERENCES
Hebrews 4:1-16; 1 Peter 1:13-16