For years, Jan and I have explored how to live from a place of rest. And every new season, transition, or challenge carries with it another cycle of training and a deeper commitment to learn how to enter God’s rest.

We developed a short phrase to keep us on track: “Rest to work – work from rest.” True and lasting productivity comes from resting in what God has already accomplished. Evidence that we are maturing in our understanding of the gospel of grace is the increased ability to experience His rest. 

Israel first heard the good news of deliverance, but failed to enter into that realm of rest because of their unbelieving hearts. Yet God keeps renewing the same promise and setting the date as “Today.” He said, “Today, please listen and don’t turn a deaf ear…” So, this promise of rest is still alive. It’s still there for His people (see Hebrews 4:1-9).

The Hebrews writer went on to say, “For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall” (vs. 10-11). We will keep putting faith in human effort. Like sheep without a shepherd, there is no rest for the soul. 

The word “labor” has been understood to mean “toil.” When we enter God’s rest, we rest from our toil. We cease operating from our own works, just as God celebrated His finished works and rested in them. From Genesis to Eternity, rest is the pattern He laid out to follow. In confident faith, all can enter into His realm of rest. 

We must be careful to ensure that we embrace and commit to entering His rest. Twenty-some years ago, Jan and I went on an overnight date to a special lodge in Southern Oregon. I remember carrying the weight of the world, and my soul was not at peace. The following morning, we read Matthew 11:27-30 (MSG) for the first time in that translation. It was like stepping under a waterfall of grace. 

Only our Shepherd could lead us to rest. Here are the words of Jesus:“The Father has given me all these things to do and say…but I’m not keeping it to myself. I’m ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen.” 

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me, and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me, and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”