Rest is a one-syllable word. Yet, when it comes to understanding our rest in God, its meaning is manifold. The idea of entering into God's rest, as taught in Hebrews, cannot be easily defined. C.H. Spurgeon began a sermon on rest with these words, "REST! A dainty word indeed! Too rich a syllable for this unstable earth! Is it not a stray word from the language of the celestials? REST!" In typical Spurgeon style, he then proceeds to beautifully describe a complex yet simple concept of our rest in God.

The most important thing to remember about resting in God is this: we enter His rest by faith. It's often called "the believer's rest," but it is His rest. Rest is not just meant for our final rest in heaven but is given as a provision to enjoy in this life. "For we who have believed, do enter that rest" (Hebrews 4:2, NKJV). It is now, it is immediate, and it is ours by our faith in Christ. Yes, there is a final rest. But our Lord wants us to rest in Him—today.

Often, hymn writers capture such complex theologies in simple and poetic form. And so it is in Jean Sophia Pigott's hymn, Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting, written in 1876. Take the time to read and ponder. See the simplicity and complexity of resting in Him.

Jesus! I am resting, resting

In the joy of what Thou art;

I am finding out the greatness

Of Thy loving heart.

Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,

And Thy beauty fills my soul,

For, by Thy transforming power,

Thou hast made me whole.   

Refrain

Jesus! I am resting, resting

In the joy of what Thou art;

I am finding out the greatness

Of Thy loving heart.

Oh, how great Thy loving kindness,

Vaster, broader than the sea:

Oh, how marvelous Thy goodness,

Lavished all on me!

Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved,

Know what wealth of grace is Thine,

Know Thy certainty of promise,

And have made it mine.

Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,

I behold Thee as Thou art,

And Thy love, so pure, so changeless,

Satisfies my heart,

Satisfies its deepest longings,

Meets, supplies its every need,

Compasseth me round with blessings,

Thine is love indeed.

Ever lift Thy face upon me,

As I work and wait for Thee;

Resting ’neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,

Earth’s dark shadows flee.

Brightness of my Father’s glory,

Sunshine of my Father’s face,

Keep me ever trusting, resting,

Fill me with Thy grace.