This portion of the Book of Hebrews reflects back on the disobedience of the Israelites after Moses led them out of bondage in Egypt. God commanded His people to take possession of Canaan, promising them His protection and provision. But because of their unbelief, they rebelled against God, who then swore that they would never be allowed to enter His rest in the Promised Land.

The passage above indicates that today, God invites us to enter His rest through putting our faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, and believing His promises. The rest referred to here is not only one of eternal rest after this life, but also a rest we can enter here on earth. How do we enter that kind of rest now? By believing God and taking Him at His Word, as the verses above tell us.

The apostle Paul reveals this principle in prayer form in the Book of Romans: "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13 NKJV) Believing God brings us peace, joy, and rest. Doubting Him causes fear and torment. We are not talking about mere optimism here, but a deep, abiding trust in a God who wants the best for His children, and who is faithful to His promises. Every time we are in a trial, we are going to have to choose between believing in God's ability and willingness to protect and provide for us - and doubting Him. The Book of Hebrews equates unbelief with disobedience. (Hebrews 3:12; 4:11) And disobeying God always robs us of His best.

Hebrews 4:9-10 (AMP) says, "So there remains a [full and complete] Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has once entered His rest has also rested from [the weariness and pain of] his [human] labors, just as God rested from [those labors uniquely] His own." Too often, we work at trying to accomplish things that only God can. Those are the times that God wants us to cease our labors and put our trust in Him. Then we can walk in peace, knowing that God is working on our problems.

Today, I urge you to enter God's rest concerning that unsaved family member, that financial burden, and that healing need. May this precious promise from the Lord encourage your heart today - "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on You!" (Isaiah 26:3 NLT)

Prayer: Lord, in all my daily tests and trials, deliver me from my doubts and fears, and help me to enter Your rest. Instill in me a growing love for Your Word, and remind me of Your faithfulness to Your promises. Give me a trusting heart, that I may never miss out on Your best for me. Thank You that Your joy, peace, and rest shall be mine all the days of my life!