My Rest

FATHER, how good the word “rest” sounds. And, there is a rest for me. This state of blessedness manifests itself as I embrace the Gospel.

Since I believe CHRIST JESUS has given what You require from me, I enter into rest (ref#15, [Heb 4:10]). My experience of rest is ceasing from my own works of righteousness, and from the burdensome works of the law just as You and Your Son ceased from Your “works of creation and redemption” (ref#18, [Heb 4:10]).

Since CHRIST impresses You; I don’t have to impress You. Resting in CHRIST is a state of happiness. My salvation does not depend on my continuing work of being righteous!

But FATHER, keep me abreast of situations that threaten my rest. Situations continually rise to steal what You freely give me through CHRIST. Happiness disappears when I lose fellowship with You and default back to trying in my own strength to be righteous.

Impress upon me that if I don’t rehearse the Gospel I will fall back into burdensome works and be void of rest. FATHER, I know preaching the gospel to myself each day will equip me with more boldness to believe what You say. I’ll recognize and benefit more from Your grace and be more willing to embrace Your commands (ref#60, p52). By reveling in CHRIST I retain our fellowship and find my rest! As I rehearse the Gospel, “give me that rest without rest, the rest of ceaseless praise” (ref#76, p172).