“I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” —John 10:10
The second kind of rest God promises to us is one that’s available in the present. It’s the abundant life, a life of freedom, fullness, and fruitfulness in Christ. It’s not our ultimate rest, but it’s one God intends for us here on earth, and I think it’s what the Promised Land represents in the Old Testament.
We enter that rest as children of God the same way we enter eternal rest in heaven. It’s through faith in Christ alone, not through our effort or righteousness.
God doesn’t promise us a trouble-free existence. There are giants in the land that we must face. However, unbelief, disobedience, and rebellion will keep us from experiencing the rest and abundant life God has for us. The life of rest—a life of trust, security, confidence in the Lord, peace, the ability to sleep well at night, the ability to have a clear conscience, the ability to go in with courage and faith and face the giants—is a life of faith in Christ and Christ alone.
Make it Personal
Pray that you would experience the rest that God wants you to have in this life.