Our consumer oriented society bombards us daily not only with messages seeking to influence and inspire cravings and drive our purchasing, but fill us with ideas that we find satisfaction in things; that we ought to have certain things to be satisfied, as if things can provide real satisfaction. What God desires we learn is to find satisfaction in Him; His presence.
RELEVANCE
The writer of Hebrews shared a profound truth: that God’s presence provides a real sense of satisfaction and contentment the world doesn’t understand. “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5-6).
Such contentment comes from being in God’s rest. For many, this too is a difficult concept to grasp. The children of Israel lived in a state of restlessness in the wilderness, not being able to come to trusting faith in God and enter into the fullness of His promises. God does have a rest that provides contentment in God. It will bring you to true happiness– even better–the joy of the Lord.
The writer of Hebrews spoke about this. “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.” He encouraged believers to “therefore be diligent to enter that rest” (Hebrews 4:9-11).
Interestingly enough, the Greek word used for rest is sabbatismos, from a derivative of sabbatism. It was coined to translate the Hebrew verb, meaning observe the Shabbat, or Sabbath.” To me sabbatism sounds close to baptism. Could God want to baptize His people in such a rest? Truly, rest and peace with God brings real satisfaction– which leads to joy.
REFLECT AND RELATE
Conduct a “consumption assessment.” Ask God to reveal what stuff provides real joy and satisfaction; and with what you would do well without.
REFERENCES
Colossians 2:23