A Provision of REST!

Rest…in the middle of the trouble? How? In the middle of worry, concern, and feeling anxious? How? God says labor to rest, enter into His rest; what does that mean? God says be anxious for nothing; but how can anxiety be avoided? How does rest occur in the middle of that?

Rest begins by knowing the finished work of Jesus Christ. Freedom from anxiety begins by knowing the finished work of Jesus Christ. Did you know that from the foundation of the world that God’s works were finished, His supply, His provision, His plans, His equipping; everything you need for life and godliness (Hebrews 4:3; 2 Peter 1:3). The Amplified version says that “His works had been completed and prepared (and waiting for all who would believe) from the foundation of the world. The key to rest is knowing and believing what God has done; you know this by His Word. When you know and you believe you enter into His rest; “for we who believe (who adhered to and trusted in and relied on God) do enter that rest” (Amplified Hebrews 4:3). Entering into His rest is participating in the finished work of Jesus Christ, participating in His promises and His provision. An unwillingness to believe, to trust Him, that is unbelief, shuts you out from rest (Hebrews 3:19).

God says, “when you hear My voice don’t harden your heart” like the Israelites did. God’s works were prepared for them too, but they didn’t believe God when He told them about the promised land (Hebrews 3:15). They had not listened to His word; they were not persuaded (Hebrews 3:18). God is asking you to receive from Him in the same way. He wants each of us to benefit from His finished work and participate in His promises. When you enter into His rest, because you know and believe His Word, “you cease from (the weariness and pain) of human labors” (Amplified Hebrews 4:10). When you believe His Word, that by “His divine power He has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him” (2 Peter 1:3), you enter His rest! You are able to cast all of your cares, all worries, all concerns once and for all on Him, knowing that He cares for you affectionately and watchfully (1 Peter 5:7) as you enter into His rest, believing His word and His promises.

In rest praise is always on your lips no matter what circumstances you are experiencing, because according to the Word of God, all is well, as His works were completely finished at the foundation of the world. In Him there is nothing that you lack! From the moment you were born, His provision and care for you was intact, so rejoice! That is how Paul could state in the midst of great hardship, “Rejoice always and again I say rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).

Why rejoice in the midst of tribulation? Yes, God instructed you to do it, but why do it in the midst of struggle when everything in the natural seems to be falling apart? Because with your eyes you see these temporary challenges that are subject to change, but the works of God, your supply, your provision, the answer to your trouble is firm, never changes, and is always available to you (2 Corinthians 4;18)! Glory to God!! That should cause a shout of halleluiah!!

Rejoice because the resurrection power of God is within you (Ephesians 1:18-20)! Rejoice because you are one with the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ (Galatians 4:6)! Rejoice because He is the treasure of wisdom and knowledge and has your answers and you are one with the One with the answer (Colossians 2:3)! Rejoice because you are One with Healer, Who healed you when He was beaten and died for you 2000 years ago (Isaiah 53:4,5)! Rejoice because you are one with the One Who gives you the power to get wealth and supplies all of your needs according to His riches and glory; in Jesus you have a full supply (Deuteronomy; Philippians 4:19; John 1:16)! Rejoice because Jesus made you pure and holy (Hebrews 10:14); you are just like He is now in this world (1 John 4:17)! Rejoice because when you are weak you are one with the One that is strong and mighty, and Who knows all things (2 Corinthians 12:9,10)! Rejoice because by Jesus’ work of the cross you are blessed going in and blessed going out; His blessings overtake you (Deuteronomy 28:2,6)! Rejoice because of Jesus’ work, you are one with the Father and you share all His inheritance with Jesus (Galatians 4:7; Romans 8:17)! Rejoice because you have the privilege of commanding in the Name of Jesus Christ the One Who defeated satan, bringing him to nought and making him of no affect in your life (Philippians 2:9,10; John 14:13,14; Hebrews 2:14)! Rejoice because you are called, chosen and loved by God Almighty and as His child you will live with Him forever (1 Peter 2:9)!!

This is to enter His rest! You know His works that He finished before the foundation of the world and you participate in them because you believe! God also instructs you to “be zealous and exert yourselves and strive diligently to enter His rest, to know and experience it for yourselves” (Amplified Hebrews 4:11). He wants you to labor to rest. So, when you are in the midst of tribulation, a trial of some sort, challenges in your life, negative thoughts and emotions may come against you. You may grumble and complain, and strive in your own effort to overcome. This is when you capture your thoughts; you are sensitive and aware of your emotions; you hear your grumbling and complaining; you sense a weakness because of all your striving; and you say NO! Go immediately to God’s Word and refresh yourself in what He said! Remind yourself of His works that are finished. Replace worldly thoughts with His thoughts and confirm them out loud. Praise Him for what He has done and Who He is. Praise Him even though your emotions may not feel what you are saying. This is to labor to rest! And because the Word of God is “alive and active, operative and energizing” (Hebrews 4:12), it will bring victory! And because God is the One doing the work in you to will and to do for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13), you will be a success! You are fighting and laboring to rest from a place of victory because God has already provided for you!