Christian Writers Circle

The Promise of Rest
by Judy Hitson

Hebrews 4:1 NKJV Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.

Do you find it amazing as you read familiar passages in the Bible when one comes alive with a new perspective the Holy Spirit highlights?

That’s what happened to me with our key verse, Hebrews 4:1. I thought, Lord I know You taught me a lot through this chapter. I cannot get passed the first verse. You stop me in my tracks here. So I breathe in deeply Your Spirit, trusting You to reveal what You want to say to me and those who read this devotional.

Hebrews 4 is the second Scripture passage the Lord taught me about His rest. This chapter, as I recall, is packed full of lessons on rest for us believers. Yet as I read it, Heb. 4:1 struck my heart. In its simplicity, there was depth to consider. First, it is a promise of God.

Being a slow, methodical learner, I tend to slow down and soak in words that capture my attention. In this case, it is God’s promise of rest for us. Come with me, slow down and contemplate on this promise:

Let us receive the reality of  it.
Let us fear and not come short of it.
Let us be cautious in our walk with the Lord and in awe of God, who is our rest.
Let us not miss this promise as we read below what happened to the Israelites.
Consider what the Spirit said recorded in Hebrews 3:10-11 NKJV
10 Therefore I was angry with that generation,
And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart,
And they have not known My ways.’
11 So I swore in My wrath,
‘They shall not enter My rest.”

God’s promise of rest is vital. It is life for us.

Are you familiar with the old hymn, “Standing on the Promises?”

This hymn impacted my life. It is good to pause and consider the lyrics with all five stanzas and ask,

Lord, Am I standing on Your promise of rest?

Prayer: Father in heaven bless us as Your children to stand on Your promise of rest, walk in light of it by Your Spirit and be pleasing in Your sight. In Your name Jesus. Amen.