My eyes misted; soon tears slid down my cheeks. After several stanzas of “Silent Night,” God’s presence hovered. It was the perfect lullaby. My infant grandson, nestled in my arms, was sleeping in heavenly peace. There could be no more beautiful moment than this.

Moments earlier, he was struggling and exhausted. Then a soothing voice and arms that loved him changed the atmosphere into a moment of surrender. He entered into rest. Peace triumphed.

Our lives are closely parallel. We struggle with a myriad of issues, trials and adversities. Trying to do it on our own because we think we can. No need to bother the mighty God of the universe with this one. Our striving soon leads to exhaustion, and yet, we’re no closer to our promised land, that place of Sabbath rest. God’s Word clearly states there still remains such a divine rest for who? The people of God. Are you counted as one in His kingdom? He promises you a rest-full life.

How do we get to that promised land? In a simple word, trust. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.” (Proverbs 3:5 NRSCE) First, be alert for His soothing voice. When you hear it, surrender to the loving arms of the Lord. Soon, you will leave all the struggle behind. He will bear your burden. “What a glorious Lord! He who daily bears our burdens also gives us our salvation.”(Psalm 68:19 LBCE) When your exhaustion suddenly becomes rest, that is peace, the Sabbath rest of God. It is promised.

 

Jesus poured out His blood for the New Covenant of grace and truth, replacing the Old Covenant letter of the law of Moses. Believers are exclusively under the New Covenant, the last will and testament of Jesus that began after the cross.