Weekly Sermon Recap - 3.16.25

Entering God's Rest: Finding Peace in a Restless World

In our fast-paced, achievement-driven society, the concept of rest often feels like a luxury we can't afford. We're constantly bombarded with messages telling us to do more, be more, and achieve more. But what if true success and fulfillment come not from our endless striving, but from learning to rest in God's presence?

The Bible paints a powerful picture of rest, beginning with creation itself. After six days of bringing the universe into existence, God rested on the seventh day. This wasn't because He was tired, but because His work was complete and perfect. He set an example for us, showing that rest is not just permissible, but essential.

Throughout Scripture, we see this theme of rest echoing again and again. When the world became wicked and God chose to start anew, He selected Noah – whose very name means "rest" – to build an ark of salvation. Later, when God led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, He promised them a land of rest. Even King David, a man of action and warfare, wrote beautifully about the Lord as a shepherd who "makes me lie down in green pastures" and "leads me beside quiet waters" (Psalm 23).

But why do we struggle so much with the concept of rest? There are three primary reasons:

1. Misplaced Identity: We often base our worth on our work, forgetting that we are human beings, not human doings. Our value comes from being created in God's image, not from our accomplishments or job titles.

2. Valuing Achievements Over Relationships: We live in a culture that prioritizes success and financial gain over meaningful connections. Yet on our deathbeds, we won't be asking to see our trophies or bank statements – we'll want to be surrounded by loved ones.

3. Insecurity: Deep down, many of us fear we won't have enough if we pause our constant striving. We forget that God is El Shaddai – the God of more than enough supply.

To combat these obstacles and enter into God's rest, we can:

1. Remember Our Value to God: Isaiah 49:16 tells us that God has engraved us on the palms of His hands. We are precious to Him, not because of what we do, but because we are His beloved children.

2. Enjoy and Be Thankful for What We Already Have: Cultivating gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance already present in our lives.

3. Exchange Our Restlessness for God's Peace: This involves intentionally setting aside time to rest, perhaps by observing a weekly Sabbath. It's not about rigid rules, but about creating space to play, rest, and remember God's love.

The ultimate example of rest comes from Jesus Himself. On the cross, His final words were, "It is finished." Just as God rested after completing creation, Jesus rested after completing our redemption. He then ascended to heaven and sat down at the right hand of the Father, signifying that the work of salvation was truly complete.

This is what communion reminds us of – that we can rest in the finished work of Christ. We don't need to strive to earn God's love or favor. Jesus invites us, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

Hebrews 4 speaks of a "Sabbath rest" that still remains for God's people. Interestingly, it tells us to "make every effort to enter that rest" (Hebrews 4:11). This seeming paradox reminds us that while rest is a gift, we must actively choose to receive it. We must intentionally lay down our striving and trust in God's provision.

In practical terms, this might look like:

- Setting boundaries around work hours and truly disconnecting during time off
- Prioritizing relationships and quality time with loved ones
- Practicing gratitude daily
- Taking regular time for prayer, meditation, and reflection
- Observing a weekly "Sabbath" – a day focused on rest, worship, and rejuvenation

As we learn to rest in God's love and provision, we'll find that our lives become more fruitful, not less. We'll have the energy and clarity to pursue what truly matters. We'll experience deeper peace and joy, even in the midst of life's challenges.

Remember, you are not defined by your productivity or achievements. You are a beloved child of God, created in His image and invited to share in His rest. The next time you feel overwhelmed by life's demands, hear the gentle whisper of Jesus saying, "Come to me... and I will give you rest."

In a world that never stops, choosing to rest is a radical act of faith. It declares that we trust God more than our own efforts. It acknowledges that He is in control, and that His grace is sufficient for us.

So today, will you accept the invitation to enter God's rest? Will you lay down your burdens at His feet and allow His peace to wash over you? In doing so, you may just discover the abundant life you've been searching for all along.