7 POWERFUL GRACES FOR LIVING: REST

The last 18 months have been filled with unrest.  There has been unrest in our streets, unrest in our society, and unrest in our addressing of the pandemic. This all creates unrest in our hearts and souls.  How will we find a sense of rest?  Studies tell us that most Americans do not get enough rest, primarily due to stress and anxiety.  None of us are immune to the impact of all of these events upon our hearts and spirits.  This week, in our sermon series 7 Powerful Graces for Living, the sermon is Rest.  We turn to Hebrews 4:9-16.  The writer of this letter says that God’s rest is still available and powerful for our lives.  God has tried to lead us to rest through the example of resting on the seventh day of creation and instituting a Sabbath day.  This writer of this letter says that God’s Sabbath rest is both a physical and a spiritual reality that is able to give us hope and confidence!  This is a confidence and hope that we need in order to confront the stress of our lives!  As you read Hebrews 4:9-16, let the Holy Spirit share with you the power of a calm heart and restful spirit through Jesus Christ.  Hebrews 4:9-16:9 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. 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. 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are– yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (NIV)