This morning’s verse of the day from Bible.com triggered today’s title. The verse comes from Hebrews 4:9 which says: “So there remains a [full and complete] Sabbath rest for the people of God.” These weeks have definitely given me time to look to God, reflect, and rest. What types of Sabbath’s does the Bible talk about? How long do they last and what is their purposes?
The dogs wanted to go out earlier today and while on our walk the following songs played, and each spoke to me about where I am at today:
- It’s Not Over Yet by for KING & COUNTRY
- No Impossible with You by I AM THEY
- Alive by NONAH
- Anxious Heart by Jeremy Camp
- Wholehearted by We Are Messengers
Each one spoke to me this morning and so wanted to share in case others needed encouragement too. Fridays are days when my focus is to finish strong for the glory of God. As I lean into today, I am looking to God for wisdom and discernment to help me to focus on the right things and allow Him to work in and through this day and my actions for faith is an active no passive word. I look to God for direction in order to stay on the right path, not leaning on my own understanding but rather trusting and acknowledging Him instead. Be it camp prep, unemployment tasks, or job seeking, or anything else, I am pausing to hear from God in order to know how to finish today strong for His glory and for the good of my wife, kids, and world.
The Purpose of the Sabbath Rest
In the Old Testament, God established the Sabbath as a day of rest, reflecting His own rest after creating the world (Genesis 2:2-3). The Sabbath was instituted not only as a physical rest but also as a spiritual refreshment. Exodus 20:8-10 emphasizes the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy and refraining from work. This sacred day served as a reminder of God’s provision and a symbol of the covenant between God and His people. Today, observing a Sabbath rest involves taking intentional time to cease from our labors and focus on God, allowing Him to renew our spirits. Practically, this could mean setting aside one day a week to unplug from our daily grind, spend time in prayer, and enjoy God’s creation.
Key Takeaway: The Sabbath is a divinely appointed time for rest and spiritual rejuvenation.
Practical Application: Designate a specific day or period each week to disconnect from work-related activities, engage in worship, and seek spiritual renewal.
The Promise of a Future Rest
Hebrews 4:9-10 speaks of a “Sabbath rest” that remains for the people of God. This rest is not limited to a weekly observance but points to an eternal rest in God’s presence. Just as God rested from His works, we are invited to enter into His rest by ceasing from our own efforts to earn salvation. This future rest is secured through faith in Jesus Christ, who offers us peace and eternal life (Matthew 11:28-30). The journey towards this ultimate rest involves trusting God, persevering in faith, and looking forward to the fulfillment of His promises.
Key Takeaway: The ultimate Sabbath rest is an eternal rest in the presence of God, available through faith in Jesus Christ.
Practical Application: Strengthen your faith by regularly engaging in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers, keeping the hope of eternal rest in mind.
Finding Rest in Every Season
Even during periods of transition, such as seeking a new job, we can experience God’s rest. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to bring our anxieties to God in prayer, promising that His peace will guard our hearts and minds. Trusting God with our uncertainties allows us to rest in His provision and timing. The songs that resonated with you this morning—“It’s Not Over Yet,” “No Impossible with You,” “Alive,” “Anxious Heart,” and “Wholehearted”—all echo this truth. They remind us that God’s presence is with us, His power is limitless, and His plans are good. Embracing this truth can transform our periods of waiting and uncertainty into times of deep spiritual rest.
Key Takeaway: God’s rest is available in every season of life, including times of uncertainty and transition.
Practical Application: During job searches or other uncertain times, regularly pause to pray, worship, and reflect on God’s promises, trusting Him to lead and provide.
Embracing the Fullness of God’s Rest
Resting in God’s Promise
As we reflect on the biblical concept of Sabbath rest, we understand that it encompasses more than just a physical break from work. It is a holistic rest that includes spiritual renewal, a future hope of eternal rest, and a present trust in God’s provision and timing. By observing a regular Sabbath, we align ourselves with God’s rhythm and acknowledge His sovereignty over our lives. The eternal rest promised in Hebrews 4:9 serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging us to persevere in faith. In every season, especially in times of transition, we can find peace and rest in God by bringing our concerns to Him and trusting His perfect plan.
Encouragement: Continue to pursue God’s rest in every area of your life. Let the assurance of His eternal rest and the peace He offers now empower you to finish strong each day for His glory. Trust that in your job search and all your endeavors, God is working for your good and His glory.
Today’s Reading:
My Notes:
What’s going on in your life? Cast your cares upon God who cares for you. Ask Him to speak to you through His Word today and then read or have it read to you using the links above. God’s Word is active and alive, never returning void, and able to cut like a double-edged sword to the core of our situations and circumstances. Don’t limit yourself to my notes but instead research, search, and ask about how today’s reading can be applied to your life, your situations, and your circumstances.
2 Kings 5
The Healing of Naaman
In 2 Kings 5, we read about Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army, who was afflicted with leprosy. His story is a powerful reminder of God’s ability to heal and restore. Naaman’s journey to healing began when a young Israelite girl, a servant in his household, suggested he seek the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 5:3). Despite his initial resistance, Naaman obeyed Elisha’s instruction to wash in the Jordan River seven times, resulting in his complete healing (2 Kings 5:14). This account demonstrates that God’s healing and rest come through obedience and humility.
Key Takeaway:
Obedience to God’s instructions brings healing and restoration.
Practical Application:
In your job search and other life transitions, remain open and obedient to God’s guidance, even when it comes in unexpected ways. Trust that His instructions will lead to your ultimate good and renewal.
- Naaman Healed of Leprosy
2 Kings 6
The Floating Axe Head
In 2 Kings 6, we find the story of a miraculous event involving the prophet Elisha. When one of the prophets lost an iron axe head in the Jordan River, he cried out to Elisha for help (2 Kings 6:5). Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water, causing the axe head to float (2 Kings 6:6). This miracle highlights God’s concern for even the smallest details of our lives and His power to provide solutions to our problems.
Key Takeaway:
God is attentive to our needs and can provide miraculous solutions to our problems.
Practical Application:
As you search for a job or face other challenges, bring every concern to God in prayer. Trust that He cares about your needs and will provide in ways you might not expect.
God’s Protection and Provision
Later in 2 Kings 6, the King of Aram waged war against Israel, and Elisha’s servant became fearful when he saw the enemy’s vast army. Elisha prayed for his servant’s eyes to be opened, revealing the hills full of horses and chariots of fire—God’s heavenly army (2 Kings 6:17). This passage reassures us of God’s protection and His ability to fight our battles.
Key Takeaway:
God’s protection is always with us, and He fights our battles.
Practical Application:
When you feel overwhelmed by challenges in your job search or other areas of life, remember that God’s protection surrounds you. Pray for the ability to see His hand at work and trust in His provision and strength.
- An Axhead Floats
- Elisha Traps Blinded Arameans
- ‘“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” ‘ — 2 Kings 6:16
- ‘And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord , so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. ‘ — 2 Kings 6:17
- Famine in Besieged Samaria
Stepping into God’s Rest
Living in God’s Provision
Reflecting on 2 Kings 5-6, we see a consistent theme of God’s provision, healing, and protection. Naaman’s healing teaches us the importance of obedience and humility in receiving God’s rest. The floating axe head story reminds us of God’s care for our daily needs and His miraculous interventions. The revelation of the heavenly army reassures us of God’s protection in the face of overwhelming challenges. As you continue your job search and navigate life’s transitions, lean into God’s promises, trusting that He is working for your good and His glory. By resting in His provision and timing, you can find peace and strength to finish each day strong.
Encouragement: Continue to seek God’s guidance and provision in every aspect of your life. Trust that He is with you, providing, healing, and protecting you every step of the way. Let His rest fill you with peace and confidence as you move forward.
Today is a day that thanks to Jesus is filled with inspiration. So let us make sure we receive the gift of grace through Jesus by faith in Him and step up and out to accomplish all the good works He has prepared in advance for us to accomplish. If you haven’t received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, why not choose today to be the day your life is transformed and you become a new creation and start the journey of becoming everything God created, purposed, and planned for you to be?
Let’s pray:
God's story through my life from 2005 to eternity... 
Leave a Reply, love to hear from you…