Entering Into Rest

"There remains therefore a rest for the people of God."  Heb. 4:9  The Old Testament is full of examples for us to learn from.  The promised land is an example to us of the fullness of blessing that God wants every Christian to enter into.  In Numbers 13 and 14 we read that Moses sent 12 spies into the land to spy out the land and bring back a report.  10 spies brought back an evil report, because they did not believe they could conquer the land because of the giants and the enemies.  Only Joshua and Caleb brought a good report, saying to the people that they could enter this land and possess it.  This land had already been promised to them by God, so now it was time for them to possess their possessions.  Instead, they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.  Now there remains is a rest for the people of God to enter into.  We do not want to wander in the wilderness!  We need to enter into the rest of God.  The Israelites had the sons of Anak, the Amalakites, the Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites and Canaanites to defeat.  We have different enemies, but we must conquer our enemies.  We are told in Hebrews chapters 3 and 4 to beware of an evil heart of unbelief, and to watch lest any be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.  In Heb. 4:1 we are told to fear lest any of us seem to come short of entering into His rest.  Again in Hebrews 4:11 we are to be diligent to enter that rest.  The enemies of unbelief, doubt, worry, strife, unforgiveness, anger, and fear must be defeated.  We are given 3 things at the end of Heb. 4 to enter the rest.  We have been given the Word of God, which is alive, and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword.  With this spiritual sword we can cut down the enemies.  We have a great High Priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses, and run to our aid.  We have a throne of grace to come to in prayer, to obtain mercy, and find grace to help in our time of need.  "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You," Isa. 26:3.  The rest of God is a place of peace.  Peace is that invaluable quality of heart that keeps your mind at rest when there is turmoil all around.  Surpassing our understanding, it keeps and guards our hearts and minds.  One day there will be ultimate peace and rest from our labors, Rev. 14:13.  Now, we must be diligent to enter that rest in faith and trust.  Enter into your place of rest today.  Through the Word of God and prayer, you can defeat your enemies, and enter into rest!

In what way am I living in rest today?