Many things in our everyday life can steal our peace and, consequently, our ability to rest.
I have discovered. (the hard way) to be at rest and to know peace takes choosing daily to let go of the world's worries and turn my attention onto Jesus and heaven because otherwise, the world and its "noise" will "pull me out" of rest.
There is an account in the bible about how the Israelites struggled and constantly questioned God. They doubted His goodness even when He had shown His concern for them in releasing them from slavery. They got into striving and stressing, and because of it, they didn't enter the rest God had planned for them.
Through their lack of trust and resultant disobedience, they missed it.
But God doesn't want you to miss it and says, "There remains a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us, therefore, be diligent to enter that rest... (Hebrews 4:9-11)
God and the rest he gives on the inside, which then transfers to the outside, help us cease from our works; works to succeed, works to be good enough, and works to prove ourselves.
In one sense, to trust in God means to stop relying on our results and rest securely on what Jesus has already done for us. It's not about what we can do but what He has done. Which is, everything!
Rest is all about done vs do.
Jesus has DONE everything for you to be accepted and at peace. It may mean letting go of the controls and laying aside the past to take hold of something far better, but it will be worth it because the benefits of entering God's rest are huge and not to be underestimated.
It is experiencing peace and rest deep inside that nothing can compare with.
It is finding a place in God and his best plan for you, and knowing that you are not alone - ever.
Today, I encourage you to be at rest and know that Jesus has done it all.
Jesus said, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while. For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat" (Mark 6:31)
'I will never leave you nor forsake you'” (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV).
"You will keep in perfect peace whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you" (Isaiah 26:3)
Today lean in on Jesus; remember he has done everything already so you can enter His rest!
Prayer: Lord, help me to let go of all the concerns of the world and the things that so readily seek to steal my peace and rest in you. I seek to enter your rest today in Jesus and receive all you have done for me. I don't need to struggle and strive but to accept your love and forgiveness and follow your lead. Thank you for your rest today. In Jesus' name. Amen.