Entering Into His Rest!

Scripture: “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” — Hebrews 4:11

Devotion:

Hebrews 4:6-13 says that there is a rest that abides for God's people. A rest has been available since creation and made available through Christ. However, it also dies a warning that not all enter that rest. The children of Israel had the promise of entering the Promised Land, a land of peace and spiritual rest. Despite that, many never did enter because they became hard-hearted and lacked trust in God.

The writer of Hebrews makes a parallel between their story and our own. Although the promise of eternal rest still stands, we, too, can fall short if unbelief gets a grip on our hearts.

Verse 11 says, "Let us, therefore, labor to enter into that rest." This may appear contradictory, as how can one labor for rest? This "labor" is not of our own strength but that it has to do with an intentional pursuit of God's promises. A steadfast safeguarding of our hearts in the land of doubt, distraction, and disobedience. It means electing to believe even when our circumstances rouse fear.

Verses 12–13 present exactly what we must have when we pursue the rest mentioned here: the Word of God. "For the word of God is quick and powerful... and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." The Bible is God's way of getting under our surface. It is sharper than a dagger, allowing us to peer into the part of our conscience where trust is either present or absent.

In His view, nothing is hidden. He knows our trials, our fears, our frailty. Therein, His grace calls us even now to enter His rest through faith, obedience, and surrender.

Prayer:

Gracious Father, Thank You for the promise of rest found in You. Help me to believe Your Word and trust Your heart, even when I do not understand the path ahead. Search me, Lord, and reveal any unbelief within me. Let Your Word cut through every excuse and draw me closer to You. Teach me to labor—not through striving, but through surrender—to enter into Your rest. May I walk in faith, knowing that You are faithful to fulfill every promise.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.