Hebrews 4:12-16; Psalm 119:113-120

Hebrews 4:12-16

The preceding verses deal with our entering into God’s rest. Our desire is to experience and enjoy God’s rest and peace in this life, and we know that we will eventually enter His eternal rest.

So—how do we avoid the unbelief that will rob us of God’s “rest” and peace right now?

·         We read, study, and meditate on God’s Word. V. 12 I know this sounds like a broken record, but God’s Word is alive and powerful and sharp piercing into the depths of our souls and spirits. It will expose our inmost thoughts and desires, even our motives. Oh, we are good at kidding ourselves! Staying connected to God through His Word will keep us honest. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” V. 13

·         We remember that we have a Great High Priest in heaven, Jesus the Son of God. We are to hold firmly to what we believe. We know that He understands our weaknesses because He was tempted in the same areas we are—(the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. 1 John 2:16), yet He did not sin. V. 15  So we can and should come boldly in prayer to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy and grace to help us when we need it most. Other versions say, “so that we may receive mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Charles Ryrie, in his study notes, says, “His grace comes when we come in our time of need, and not until.”

Let us rest in this truth

Psalm 119:121-128

Focus and meditate on God's Word:

• Love God's instructions, v. 113
• God is my refuge and shield, v. 114
• God's Word is my source of hope, v. 114
• I will obey God's commands., vv. 115, 119
• The Lord sustains me, v. 117
• I will meditate on God's Word, v. 117