God has promised his people a glorious rest that includes peace and security for the soul. The Lord offered this wonderful rest to the children of Israel, which meant a life full of joy and victory without fear, guilt or condemnation.
Up to the time of Christ, no generation of believers ever walked fully in this blessed promise. Why was this? The Bible makes very clear that it was because of their unbelief. “To whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who did not obey? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief” (Hebrews 3:18-19, NKJV).
Because of their unbelief during the period of the kings and prophets through David’s generation, God's people went through life full of misery, doubt, fear and restlessness. In every generation, the rest was promised, but it was refused and never appropriated or understood.
That is why, when we read further in Hebrews, we find this glorious life of faith still unclaimed. “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9). Yet we also read, “Since therefore it remains that some must enter it…” (Hebrews 4:6). The Bible admonishes present-day believers with this warning: “Therefore, since a promise remains of entering into his rest, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have come short of it” (Hebrews 4:1).
Thousands upon thousands of believers claim to be filled with the Spirit of God, yet few have entered into this promised rest. Many are tossed about by winds and waves of doctrines, restless and guilt-ridden with no security in Christ. Jesus said, “I will give you rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (see Matthew 11:28-30).
My prayer is that today you will enter into the rest God has for you. Reach up by faith, and receive because it is his free gift!