“Let us labor, therefore, to enter into that Rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”
Hebrews 4:11
Truly, in Christ “uptight is not upright;” that’s why we must learn the secret of “soul-serenity” and what it means “to enter in.”
Weariness. Fatigue. Exhaustion.
Do those words sound familiar to you, Pilgrim? In fact, are you experiencing them even now as you read these words? And, it’s only 5:00 in the morning?
If so, this Manna’s definitely for you. And you. And you. And you.
Truly, restlessness and total exhaustion character this generation more than any other—for it would seem the pressures and fears are greater than ever before. While that may or may not be true, the fact remains that so many are struggling just to keep their head above water these days.
Financial problems. Family problems. Physical problems. Guilt over the past. Fears over the future.
And, the list goes on and on and on.
Truly, this is “The Age of Anxiety.” And, if there was ever a time when we need to learn how to “labor to enter into God’s Promised Rest” it’s now.
That’s why the writer reminds us that it’s all about faith. Simple, childlike faith and trust in the One by Whose Name we are called.
In reminding his readers (and us) about the children of Israel’s refusal to enter into the Promised Land because of unbelief (3:8-11, 15-19), he was stressing the importance of taking God at His Word and not being fearful of the “giants” that lurk in the shadows (Num. 13:1-33). He knew their problem wasn’t with the giants (vv.27-29, 32-33).
It was with God Himself (Num. 14:1-3).
And, even though Joshua and Caleb tried to calm their fears by crying “If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us—a land that flows with milk and honey. Only rebel not against the Lord; neither fear the people of the land—for they are bread for us; their defense is departed from them and the Lord is with us. Fear them not” (vv.8-9).
Thus, the key was believing “the Lord delights in us” and whether or not we “delight ourselves in Him” (Ps. 37:4a).
Or, another way to put it is, “Is God trustworthy?”
It’s also interesting to remember that the Greek word used here for “unbelief” (“apeithea”) also means “obstinate rebellion.” Thus, disbelief and disobedience always go hand-in-hand. And, so do restlessness and refusal to “trust and obey.”
What’s going on in your life right now, dear Pilgrim, that’s too hard for God to handle? What’s robbing you of His “Peace that passes all understanding” (Phil. 4:7)? It’s all about surrender. Taking God at His Word and then resting in Him. Quit trying; trust Him instead.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated December 16, 2010
