Being a Mum is obviously a super exciting thing, which we rightly celebrate on Mother’s Day. But you know, it’s not always totally straight forward. From the moment of conception, Mum’s body begins to experience the effects. Then there is the birth process and once the little one is out into this world, the first thing most of them do is to start screaming. Nappies, sleepless nights, accidents, sicknesses, personality quirks, friendship issues, career choices, relationship choices, lifestyle choices. It’s actually a pretty tumultuous ride for poor Mum. How is she meant to find some peace in this world?
Finding Peace
As unrealistic as it might sound, we all still hope for a level of peace. And the Bible certainly doesn’t quench our hope. It talks about Jesus giving peace (John 14:27), peace being a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and even the possibility of true rest (Hebrews 4:1)! It is interesting that even in the midst of the most restful setting, like relaxing on holidays, rest can still be illusive. Yet in the midst of some of the busiest seasons, there can be moments of genuine rest. How is peace and rest to be found?
A Key Challenge To Peace
One of the key challenges to our peace is when we get our job wrong. If we try to do a whole lot of things, that really weren’t our responsibility, it’s no wonder we’re so exhausted. But then, there are those moments where we genuinely need to step up. We will have no peace or rest until we do so! What is our job, that we might find some peace?
The Allusive Nature of Peace
The writer to the Hebrews in the New Testament, let’s us in on a helpful insight, when it comes to stepping into peace and rest. It comes as he reflects on the people of God in the Old Testament who failed to enter the rest that God had for them:
'For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.' (Hebrews 4:2)
Just like those in the Old Testament, we have heard the voice of God, the message from him. But the way to truely enter into rest, is to believe that voice, to have faith in it. Otherwise we will find ourselves outside of rest and peace. So how do we strengthen faith?
The Way To Peace
Well, the good news of the message that comes from God, is that He has walked the path to peace for us:
'Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are —yet he did not sin.' Hebrews 4:14-15
Jesus has walked the path to peace for us. He believed the word from God against all the opposition the world, human nature and the devil could throw at him, and then he ascended to peace at the Father’s side. He invites us to join Him today.
Our Part In Peace
Our job is to believe that there is rest to be found in Jesus today. The important thing, is to listen for His voice and to follow all that He says. That is the one thing that matters.
‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…. There remains… a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.’ (Hebrews 4:7b,9-11)
We are to hear God’s promise and combine the hearing of that word with belief in it. As I face the challenges that life will throw at me, the one thing that matters, is to hear the voice of God and to do what He calls me to do. In focusing on that, I will truely find rest and peace. And you too!
So the question to ask yourself, is what is God saying to you today? Maybe you could have a read of Hebrews 4 and see what God has to say to you through it. God bless you in that.
About the Author
Jai Wright is a Christian Minister, who founded and leads MAKE Church in Mackay, Qld. He recently published the book, Life Plugged In: Connecting with the Source of Peace, Power and Purpose.
You might like to think a little bit more about your spiritual health, by taking the Spiritual Health Check Score Card here.
