Hosanna Restoration Church

As I considered this rest of the Lord, the Holy Spirit brought to mind the word content. And of course with the word content we are reminded of Paul’s declaration to the Philippians when he tells them that he has learned to be content in all things. (4:11) God was showing us that contentment was available in all things. Paul said he had learned how to be content in all things that there was a place of rest so to speak in all situations and circumstances.

He did not say that the he was instantly content in every situation. No doubt there were times when he had to press toward that mark. There were times when he had to pray himself into that place of rest. This is the same thing that is available to us. The promise of God’s rest still stands. We can get there. We just have to be determined to go for it.

Have you ever noticed that you are perfectly capable of working yourself up into a state of complete unrest? Have you ever been a little angry about something that was no big deal, but then the more you thought about it the angrier you became. Wouldn’t we be better off to work ourselves into a state of rest.

Paul learned about being content because the Spirit of God told Him that he could overcome his anger and enter into God’s rest. The more he practiced it, the easier it became. The more he took that promise from God, the more the other promises flowed toward him.

The same is true for us. As we learn to press for the promises, the easier it is to not worry about things. We become quicker to pray and give thanks and allow the peace of God that passes understanding to keep us focused on the promises of God.

No doubt Paul was fearful in a concerned way for all those who would read his words. He knew what peace he experienced from this Godly contentment and he also knew how distressing it was without it. He wanted them to have everything that was available to them in Christ. This is the same thing that God wants for us now.

This rest, this place of contentment is something worth seeking after, but truly there are many who do not really think it is possible. I know that some Christians are convinced that we were created to struggle through, but that is just not true. God intends for us to take His yoke for his yoke is easy and His burden is light.

This place of rest is for us now. Everything we need is available. There is a table prepared for us even in the presence of our enemies. The anointing is pouring out, and our cups are ready to run over. This is the promise of God.