Let us therefore…strive diligently to enter that rest [of God, to know and experience it for ourselves], that no one may fall or perish by the same kind of unbelief and disobedience [into which those in the wilderness fell]. Hebrews 4:11 (AMPC)
Our mental health is affected by many factors—hormone and neurotransmitter imbalances, life circumstances, poor digestion, deficiencies caused by diet, a lack of sleep, and lifestyle choices, just to name a few.
We’ve been on a series about biblical responses to mental health issues, which are an important part of a multifaceted approach to bettering our mental health. Today let’s talk about another important biblical approach: labouring to enter God’s rest.
Labouring and resting seem like complete opposites, but what today’s verse is talking about is labouring to renew our minds in God’s Word and speak His promises over our lives. Then we can experience the rest that comes from a deep understanding of His promises and provision.
Mark 4 is all about getting God’s Word into your heart where it can begin to grow. If you keep planting the Word in your heart, then that truth begins to grow, and you begin to experience God’s peace, joy and rest. We don’t labour to earn this rest. Jesus has already done that for us. We can’t earn being right with God or His favour; these are gifts, and as we begin to see that truth, we form heart beliefs that begin to support healthy living and joyful, peaceful thoughts.
Labour to get the right beliefs planted into your heart and as you do, those beliefs will grow and result in a harvest of joy, peace, hope and trust in the good future God has for you!