Kids & Parenting

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“…The promise of His rest still holds and is offered [today]…” Hebrews 4:1

Rest—a priceless commodity for any mother. Is there anything moms long for more than a quiet moment to rest…or catch a nap? I know for myself every Mother’s Day, I would think, “Just give me an hour to myself to rest a little”—that’s all I wanted.

Add to the busyness of mothering the often-overwhelming responsibility of training our children, and we are tempted to lose sleep—not gain it! But the rest talked about here is not physical rest…it is something even better! (really…) The rest of God is a “Promised Land” of sorts, where a mother can leave her cares, sit back, put her feet up (in the spirit) and rest in complete faith and trust that God will “accomplish those things which concern" her. (Psalms 138:8 NAS)

The rest of God is not a bon-bon eating, day spa existence. No, you’ll still be busy. You will still have many responsibilities and have to make many decisions. But your mind, your emotions, and your spirit will be in a blissful state of rest.

The Greek word for rest is anapauo: cessation from toil; a refreshment; an intermission. Does your soul need a refreshing? Maybe your mind needs a break from worrying and just thinking all the time! Well, then God’s rest is the place for you. Paul exhorts us,

“Let us therefore be zealous and exert ourselves and strive diligently to enter that rest [...to know and experience it for ourselves]...” (Hebrews 4:11)

As we diligently apply ourselves to not only enter into God’s rest, but to stay there…we must keep His Word before our eyes and allow Him to really show us this better way of living. When you are tempted to worry or fret or think too much, or if something is trying to steal your peace, just imagine yourself walking right back into the Promised Land of God’s rest.

Prayer/Confession:
Lord, by faith I enter into Your rest. I ask you to help me leave my cares and concerns in your hands, knowing that you will accomplish those things which concern me. I believe you have provided a way for me to live without worry and strife in a place of total peace in You! I choose this day to "put my feet up" and enter that rest--in Jesus' name.
(Psalms 138:8, Exodus 14:13, Proverbs 16:3)

Scriptures for study:
Hebrews 4:1-16 (The promise of God’s rest.)
Hebrews 3:7-19 (The Israelites failure to enter God’s rest because of unbelief.)

*All Scripture quoted from the Amplified Bible unless otherwise noted.
*All material copyrighted by Weekly Word/Sue Brage 2003.

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