Finding Sabbath-Rest

Since it’s a long one, read Hebrews 3:1- 4:16 in your own Bible.

Today’s Bible reading is two chapters and, no, it’s not a typo. We are going to focus on chapter 4, verses 9-13, but the context that chapter 3 and the beginning of chapter 4 provide are important. Moses and the Israelites hardened their hearts and were disobedient to God. Therefore, they never entered the promised land nor received the physical and spiritual rest that they so desperately wanted. Human sin nature had once again taken hold of the Israelites’ hearts and the covenant with Abraham was not yet fulfilled. They remained bound to the law, striving to gain their salvation through works. But God was good on his promise and provided rest in the most perfect way possible – through Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross. While the Israelites missed it (as we see in Chapters 3 and 4), the promise of entering that Sabbath-rest still stands today through Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 4:9-10

“9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.”

I challenge you to abide in God’s word. To snuggle up to God and just learn about him and from him during the fleeting moments of our chaotic day. To have a relationship with him that fills you up and leaves you strengthened. Today, we have reason to rejoice. Hallelujah! We don’t have to be perfect to abide with God through his word, which is where we find peace, rest, joy, hope, love, and so much more.

Hebrews 4:11-13

“11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

This “effort” isn’t works or deeds, it’s simply being obedient in faith. God’s word is living, active, and relevant. It’s the strongest, most fierce tool you have as a momma. His word gives us direction, instruction, encouragement, and comfort. It highlights our sin and gently yet firmly disciplines us to become more like him. And we don’t have to do anything but receive this gift. We can’t hide anything from him, which makes our rest that much sweeter. It’s 100% no strings attached, unconditional, and exactly what we need as mothers to get rest for our weary souls. Because even though our laundry piles up and our sleep may be less than doctor recommended, Jesus holds the trump card. His rest, his comfort, his joy beats anything we will ever face as a momma. And we only experience it through his Sabbath-rest. Don’t forget this, because it’s part of what will fuel us when we are running on fumes. There could be so much more added to our to do list. So much we could be missing in life. But Jesus is handing it to us freely.

Spend time slowly reading over these two chapters over the next couple of days. Pick the verse that means the most to you, write it down, stick it somewhere you will see it daily, and memorize it. Abide in God’s word and feel his Sabbath-rest.

This is part of a series called The “I’m Exhausted” devotional. Click here to read more of the series. Messy Tired Love devotionals connect everyday mom moments to the truth of the gospel. Learn more here.