"There remains therefore a rest for the people of God." (Hebrews 4:9)

Overwhelmed, over-scheduled, exhausted - these are words that are commonly heard today in our hurried world. Coping with the demands of present-day culture made us swallow the lie that busyness equals importance.

Our next sermon series called "Simplify" addresses this reality and seeks to give practical ways of getting off the "treadmill" of busyness in a fast-paced world. The underlying approach entails both a change in our perspective as well as a decision to intentionally change our lifestyle or even vocation.

The theological basis of the importance to carefully consider our busy lifestyle is the need for true rest as told by Jesus. He gave an invitation to "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:29). Now rest here is a principle that Jesus meant to be applied to our daily lives. But what really is true rest?

In the Book of Hebrews, the author used Israel's entrance to the land of promise as an analogy to a coming future rest for the people of God. This kind of rest is entered upon by God's redeemed people through the New Covenant in Jesus. Unlike the Israelite's promised land,which flowed with temporal abundance and provision, our rest in Christ offers a supply to our souls that never ends. We just need to focus on God's grace that is all sufficient instead of the mundane cares that trap us into the busyness of life.

To focus on God and His grace means entering into His promise of rest. Focusing on problems keeps us in the mode of worry and anxiety leading to self-effort and eventual depletion in our souls.

Focus on the Lord and find true Sabbath rest in Him. See you at worship tomorrow to hear more about this subject.

Be blessed beloved in the Lord.