What do you want for 2014? One thing I am certain of about this New Year is that it holds uncertainty! In the midst of it, I would like to enter into "that rest". What has always intrigued me about this verse from Hebrews, is the seeming contradiction of having to strive to rest. And yet, if you are like me, attaining inner peace does not come naturally. So the idea of having to labor to enter into rest is not surprising.
Reflecting upon this paradox, the analogy of sailing came to mind. In my limited understanding (since I have never sailed!), it does require exertion. But to my untrained eye, it looks effortless. It appears that the wind does all of the work, moving the boat as it fills the sails. However, there has to be someone at the helm who has a firm hold of the rudder to maintain position. If the sailor relaxes his grip even momentarily, all power is lost and the waves will toss the craft as they choose!
Like a sailor, I also need something to keep me headed in the direction I want to go. The rudder that keeps me on course is trusting God. “Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3) No matter how turbulent my circumstances may be on the outside, internally I can be at rest because God’s Goodness and His Word are unchanging.
When my soul is anchored in who God is as well as in His promises, the waves of worry are unable to knock me off balance and toss me ‘to and fro’. And, as the sailor gains speed by being accurately aligned with the wind, when my sails are filled with the power of His Spirit, I am able to slice through the problems of life.
My prayer for myself and you, the reader, is this:
Lord Jesus, I ask that 2014 be the year our heart enters into rest. And that we gain momentum, moving towards the goals You have assigned to us, as we keep our sails taut by the wind of Your Spirit. Amen.
May this be your most Blessed New Year yet! ~ Deb