Strive to Enter

Strive to enter His rest. Hebrews 4:11

This verse seems to be contradictory. Which is it? Should we “strive” or “rest”? We need to “strive to enter His rest” because we continue to work even when we could be done for the day. We give ourselves permission to rest only when we feel exhausted. Why rest? We rest because in resting we acknowledge God’s work in us. Our rest says that Jesus’ work on the cross was good enough. In rest we worship God.

“Strive to enter His rest.” We like to work. We want to prove ourselves worthy of His love! Yet God’s love leads us to humble ourselves before Him and receive salvation as His gift to us.

“Strive to enter His rest.” We don’t like these words. It’s too easy to rest. We want to rest, don’t we? It’s not so bad, after all! Resting even feels good! We like it! Why didn’t we try this, sooner? We need to develop rest as a new habit. But the minute we rest, we realize our restlessness. We don’t like how we feel when we rest. Rest seems unattainable. How can we rest when our minds will not allow rest? Our bodies want rest. But we have the habit of work. Resting seems so unnatural and wrong. We find that we want to rest much of the time. How about all of the time? Do we need to see a doctor? The doctor says we are fine, nothing to worry. That’s just it! We habitually worry! We need to do something about our worry! What can we do? We need to change our thinking!

“Strive to enter His rest.” After our bodies have received some sleep, our minds wake us. We lie awake at night worrying about our days. We feel tired during the day, but push ourselves to keep working. At night we sleep for awhile, then awaken and start the cycle all over again.

“Strive to enter His rest.” These words mock us. We get irritated with the words and the God Who said them. Do we join Job in His complaint against God? Do you see us, God? Take pity!

“Strive to enter His rest.” We are convinced, but how to we enter His rest? This world is crazy, full of sin, evil and disorder. Life keeps getting more difficult and hope seems elusive.

“Strive to enter His rest.” God is serious. He has given us His word. He keeps speaking to us, if only we will slow down long enough to listen. Will we listen? Will we believe God? Will we trust Him to take care of us? God has done the work, already. We just need to enter. We don’t like this answer. Back to where we started. Who will rescue us? God is rescuing us. We are learning to receive His love and loving Him in return. “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29