Discovering the Gift of Spiritual Rest Through Faith, Grace, and Christ
Introduction: What Does It Mean to Enter God’s Rest?
Have you ever felt exhausted—not just physically, but deep down in your soul? Life often feels like a race we’re running on our own strength, always striving, always worrying. But the Bible talks about a different kind of rest—a rest that comes from God. Entering into God’s rest isn’t about taking a nap or a vacation; it’s about letting go of the constant pressure to prove ourselves and finding peace in Him. It’s about trusting that, through Christ, we are given the grace and mercy we need, and that we don’t have to rely on our own efforts to be accepted by God.
Ceasing from Works: Letting Go of Self-Reliance
So many of us try to earn God’s favor by doing good things, following rules, or working harder to be “good enough.” The problem is, this self-reliant way of living leaves us tired and discouraged. God’s rest invites us to lay down our striving and stop trying to save ourselves through our own works. Imagine dropping a heavy backpack you’ve been carrying for years—the relief, the freedom. That’s what it feels like when we realize we can stop depending on ourselves and start depending on God.
Depending on God: Grace and Mercy Through Christ
The heart of entering God’s rest is learning to depend on Him, not on our own ability to get things right. Through Jesus, we receive forgiveness, grace, and mercy—not because we deserve it, but because God loves us. Grace means we are gifted what we could never earn. Mercy means we are spared from what we do deserve. When we trust Christ, we stop trying to “work” our way to heaven and instead rest in His finished work on the cross. It’s a gift, not a paycheck for our efforts.
Greater Privileges Under the Gospel: Comparison with the Law of Moses
In the Old Testament, God’s people followed the law of Moses, with its rules and sacrifices. While the law showed them what was right, it could never give lasting peace or change their hearts. The gospel—the good news of Jesus—offers something better. Instead of endless rules and rituals, we have a relationship with God, made possible through Christ’s sacrifice. Our privileges now far surpass those under the law: we’re given access to God’s presence, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life. The gospel is not about earning, but receiving.
The Role of Faith: Fruitfulness Versus Unfruitfulness
Faith is the key to entering God’s rest. Without faith, we keep struggling, never finding true peace. The Bible warns that unbelief leads to spiritual emptiness and missing out on God’s promises. But when we believe and trust God, our lives become fruitful—we experience joy, peace, and a deeper sense of purpose. Faith isn’t about knowing all the answers; it’s about trusting God even when life doesn’t make sense. Unbelief closes the door to rest; faith opens it wide.
The Promise of Spiritual Rest: Beyond Earthly Sabbath
The Old Testament Sabbath was a day set aside to rest from work, but it was just a shadow of the deeper rest God promises. Spiritual rest is more than a day off—it’s an ongoing experience of peace with God, knowing we’re loved and accepted. It’s rest for our souls, not just our bodies. This rest doesn’t depend on our circumstances, but on God’s unchanging love. We can experience this rest every day, no matter how busy or stressful life gets.
Looking Forward to Heavenly Rest: Hope for the Future
God’s rest isn’t just for now—it’s also a promise for the future. One day, all the troubles, worries, and pain of this life will be over, and we’ll experience perfect rest with God in heaven. This hope gives us strength to keep going, even when things are hard. When we fix our eyes on the heavenly rest that’s coming, it helps us persevere and not lose heart.
Practical Encouragement: Living with Purpose Today
What does it look like to live in God’s rest today? It means waking up each morning knowing we’re loved, forgiven, and accepted—not because we’ve earned it, but because God gives it freely. It means letting go of the need to control everything and trusting God with our future. It means being kind to ourselves when we mess up and remembering that grace is bigger than our failures. As we learn to rest in Christ, we find new strength to serve others, love well, and live with purpose.
Personal Reflection: Learning to Rest in Christ Amid Life’s Challenges
For me, learning to rest in Christ has been a journey. There have been times when I’ve tried to fix everything myself, only to end up anxious and overwhelmed. But in those moments, God gently reminds me to surrender—to lay my worries at His feet and trust that He’s in control. I’ve found that, when I stop striving and start trusting, I experience a peace that doesn’t make sense but is real. Resting in Christ doesn’t mean life is easy, but it means I’m never alone. His grace carries me through.
Conclusion: Invitation to Enter God’s Rest
If you’re tired from trying to do it all yourself, God invites you to enter His rest. Stop striving. Start trusting. Receive the grace and mercy Jesus offers. Let go of your burdens and let Him carry you. The rest He gives is deeper, richer, and more satisfying than anything this world can offer. Don’t miss out—step into the peace, hope, and joy that comes from resting in Him.
Minister A Francine Green
February 2026
afrancinegreen.com 