Let’s face it – There have been times when we have simply been exhausted: Exhausted after an 8-hour shift of doing hard physical labor; Exhausted after a full day of watching over and caring for rambunctious toddlers; Exhausted after walking off the field after a grueling and intense competition; Exhausted after a full day of dealing with a myriad of facts, figures, spreadsheets, meetings, conflicts, and plotting business forecasts for the next board meeting. But at the end of such a day, most of us can look forward to stretching out for a good night’s sleep on a nice soft bed (in China, not so soft!). Indeed, we all need rest from our labors. 

There is an interesting passage in the New Testament Book of Hebrews in which the author reminds his readers that after six days of creation, God “rested” on the 7^th day. I believe that it is clear to most of us that God wasn’t exhausted after creation and in dire need of a good rest, but God knew that we would be the ones who needed a day of rest after working during the week. 

The writer of Hebrews also pointed his readers to another kind of rest that few experience. He takes his readers back to the days when the Israelites had the opportunity to trust God and enter the Promised Land, but as a result of their unbelief and rebellion against Him, they wandered in the wilderness for the next 40 years. The writer of Hebrews reminded his readers of God’s judgment that they would “…not enter into His rest” (Heb. 4:3).  

Interestingly, the real “rest” of which God spoke was not in the “Promised Land” of Canaan, but another “rest” which had nothing to do with a place where people could rest. It had to do with having a relationship with God. Speaking of such a person, the writer of Hebrew says,

“For the one who has entered His rest has also rested from his works, just as God rested from His works” (Heb. 4:10).

So, just what is this “rest” of which the author is speaking? It’s being able to rest from the constant pursuit of striving to please God through good works and religious ritual. That’s not rest, as it is a constant effort to let God know how hard you are striving to please Him. Sadly, that person will never know how much is “enough,” or how much good they are trying to do is “good enough.” 

Jesus also talked about rest, and He even extended an invitation to each one of us,  

“Come to Me all you who labor and are heaven laden, and I will give you rest” (Mt. 11:28).

Please notice that Jesus made it clear that His rest is a “GIFT” that He gives us in response to our faith in Him. He is telling us to quit trying to please God by all our good works and simply come to Him by faith. Faith is the key that unlocks the door to rest. 

If you are exhausted trying to please God, simply respond to His invitation to trust in His Son, Jesus Christ. Just ask Him to fill you will His rest, and He will respond accordingly. Rest is His gift to you simply because He loves you. He is the only one who can provide the rest that you desperately need.