Sis, Just RestSample

SIS, REST IN GOD'S LOVE

If we struggle to believe that God loves us, it becomes difficult for us to rest in Him. We must take the time, no matter how long it takes, to meditate and convince our souls of God's love. Our souls tend to focus on what we see, our circumstances, and what we feel. Thus, we must command, convince, and determine our souls to believe that God loves us despite what we see or feel. The key is to focus on God's love.

When we focus on God's love, the fear of His punishment dissipates. We begin to understand that He does not punish us when things go wrong. While our natural parents might punish us, God's character is that of a spirit and not that of a human. Typically, we face consequences for our actions or someone else's actions. In these situations, God teaches, directs, and corrects us through those consequences. Jesus took our punishment upon Himself.

Focusing on God's love helps us to trust that He will provide, protect, and meet all our needs according to His riches and glory. Paul teaches us in Ephesians 1:3 that God wants to give us good gifts because He is a good father. When we know in our soul that God loves us, we find it easy to rest in Him. Resting becomes our desire, surpassing any material possessions. We need to remind ourselves constantly to rest in the love of God, daily, hourly, and even minute-by-minute.

The truth that God loves us without judgment, that Christ has taken our sin upon Himself, and that we can experience the love of a father, makes resting in Him enjoyable and a gift. Hebrews 4:1-3 reminds us that the promise of entering His rest still stands. We need to be careful not to fall short of this promise. The good news is that we can rest in Christ because He has finished it.