Do you ever labour, toil and wrestle with life’s challenges and turmoil? “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28; NKJV). The word “rest” here means to cease, to stop, from our labouring and toil and experience a refreshing of our soul that is our mind, will and emotions. In Genesis 2:2 we read that God rested after His work of creation. In Hebrews 4:1 the writer tells us that we too here and now and in heaven, can experience the same blessed, heavenly rest that God enjoys. The disciples of Jesus were crossing the Sea of Galilee when a violent storm promised to sink their boat (Matt 8:23-27). Gripped by fear, they woke Jesus who had been asleep in heavenly rest. Jesus stilled the storm and calm and rest were restored. Jesus teaches us not to be troubled and fearful as He has given us His peace, a peace that surpasses anything the world can give us (John 14:27). In the world we face tribulation, pressure, fear and stress but if we walk closely with Jesus, we can enjoy His peace because He has overcome all the evil the world has to offer (John 16:33).
How do we walk in God’s rest and peace? It doesn’t just pop up in our lives. “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isa 26:3; NKJV). This verse describes a believer focused on God, full of God’s word and strong in faith; this requires commitment, discipline and dedication. “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart” (Ps 37:4; NKJV).