God promises a state of rest—inner peace with Him—to those who enter into covenant relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ. It is available to all. The peace that rests inside the believer is a gift of the Holy Spirit. The writer of Hebrews spoke of this in detail.
“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. For only we who believe can enter his rest” (Hebrews 4:1-3 NLT).
RELEVANCE
Jesus invited all to believe and place trusting faith in Him. It comes without the requirement of performing rituals or religious acts.
“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” (Matthew 11:28-30 JNT).
Paul emphasized that God’s kind of faith is not a mere intellectual kind of belief, such that comes from mental assent. It is faith that trusts God and His word. He, therefore, encouraged believers to be strengthened in trusting faith, for it is by such trust that we have access to the manifold aspects of the LORD’s grace; which brings His peace.
“So, since we have come to be considered righteous by God because of our trust, let us continue to have shalom (peace) with God through our Lord, Yeshua the Messiah. Also through him and on the ground of our trust, we have gained access to this grace in which we stand; so let us boast about the hope of experiencing God’s glory” (Romans 5:1-2 JNT).
REFLECT AND RELATE
How do you differentiate belief from trust?
How do you demonstrate the ways you trust God?
Are there things that cause anxiety in your life?
Ask God to reveal and manifest His peace.
REFERENCES
Hebrews 4:1-16; Luke 1:68-80; John 14:25-31; Romans 5:1-5