Finding True Rest: Trusting God Amidst Chaos

Devotional

Day 1: Entering God’s Rest Is the Mark of True Salvation

True rest is found in trusting God fully, not living in chaos or striving in our own strength. When you are truly at rest in God, you are not consumed by worry, drama, or the need to control others; instead, you experience peace that surpasses understanding, even when circumstances are difficult. This rest is not about physical comfort or the absence of problems, but about a deep, spiritual confidence that God is in control and that you are secure in Him. If you find yourself constantly anxious, troubled, or stirring up unrest, it may be time to examine whether you have truly entered into God’s rest and are living as one of His children. [01:48]

Hebrews 4:9-10 (ESV)
"So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his."

Reflection: Are you living in God’s rest today, or are you allowing anxiety, drama, or the opinions of others to disturb your peace? What would it look like to truly trust God with your worries right now?

Day 2: Ceasing from Our Own Works to Do God’s Will

Letting go of self-driven ambitions and desires is essential to experiencing God’s rest and power. When you stop striving to fulfill your own plans and instead focus on doing what God has called you to do, your life changes—your priorities shift, and you find fulfillment in serving Him rather than yourself. This means surrendering your preferences, your need for recognition, and even your leisure, so that your energy is spent on what matters most to God. True rest comes not from inactivity, but from aligning your work and your life with God’s purposes. [10:58]

Hebrews 4:10 (ESV)
"For whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are still holding on to your own plans or desires? How can you surrender this to God and begin to labor for His purposes instead?

Day 3: The Power and Discernment of God’s Word

God’s Word is alive, powerful, and able to reveal the deepest thoughts and intentions of your heart. When you regularly read and meditate on Scripture, it exposes areas in your life that need correction, brings conviction, and guides you into truth. The Word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword, able to cut through self-deception and reveal what is truly going on inside you. If you neglect the Word, you miss out on its transforming power and risk living in spiritual sluggishness and confusion. [24:17]

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

Reflection: How can you make time today to let God’s Word search your heart and guide your actions? What specific step will you take to engage with Scripture more deeply?

Day 4: God Sees Everything—Living with Spiritual Integrity

Nothing is hidden from God; every thought, motive, and action is open before Him. Living in spiritual rest means walking in honesty and integrity, knowing that God sees beyond outward appearances and titles. You cannot hide your true self from Him, and trying to impress others or cover up your struggles only leads to unrest. Instead, allow God to examine your heart, confess your faults, and seek to live authentically before Him, trusting that His grace is sufficient for your weaknesses. [25:28]

Hebrews 4:13 (ESV)
"And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

Reflection: Is there anything in your life you are trying to hide from God or others? What would it look like to bring this into the light and walk in spiritual integrity today?

Day 5: Resting in God’s Peace Despite Life’s Circumstances

Spiritual rest is not dependent on your circumstances—whether your bills are paid, your health is perfect, or your relationships are smooth. God’s children are called to be at peace even when life is uncertain or difficult, trusting that He is faithful and will provide. This peace is a testimony to the world that your hope is in God, not in what you can control or achieve. When you rest in Him, you are free from striving, comparison, and the need for approval, and you can experience true joy and contentment in His presence. [22:27]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: What is one situation causing you unrest right now? How can you bring it to God in prayer and choose to rest in His peace today?

Sermon Summary

True salvation is marked by a deep, abiding rest in God—a rest that transcends circumstances, drama, and the chaos that so often surrounds us. When anchored in God’s rest, there is no room for confusion, strife, or the need to stir up trouble among others. Instead, a heart at rest in God seeks peace, edifies others, and refuses to participate in destructive conversations or behaviors. This rest is not passive or lazy, but an active trust in God’s sovereignty, a refusal to be consumed by worry over health, family, or finances, and a commitment to labor for God’s purposes rather than our own desires.

Many claim to know God, but only those who have truly entered His rest demonstrate it by their actions and attitudes. Titles, years in church, or outward religious activity mean nothing if the heart is not at peace with God. Those who sow unrest, seek self-glory, or constantly crave attention reveal a spiritual deficit, regardless of their position or history. The Holy Spirit cannot move freely where there is unrest and self-centeredness; true spiritual maturity is marked by humility, forgiveness, and a willingness to let go of offenses.

Entering God’s rest requires ceasing from our own works and ambitions. It means prioritizing God’s will above personal pleasure or recognition, even when it means sacrificing things we enjoy. This rest is not inherited from family, friends, or community—it is a personal, deliberate choice to trust God, even when others around us falter. It is a rest that persists when bills are unpaid, when health is uncertain, and when life is difficult, because it is rooted in God’s unchanging faithfulness.

The Word of God is central to this rest. It is living, powerful, and able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Regular engagement with Scripture exposes our motives, corrects our paths, and brings the spiritual “X-ray” we need to walk rightly with God. Without daily dependence on the Word, we drift into fleshly living, self-deception, and ultimately, spiritual danger. God sees all, knows all, and desires that we live not just in physical rest, but in the deep spiritual rest that comes from full surrender to Him.

Key Takeaways

1. True rest in God is a sign of genuine salvation. When the heart is anchored in God, there is no need to stir up drama, live in confusion, or worry endlessly about life’s challenges. This rest is a spiritual posture that brings peace, clarity, and a desire to build others up rather than tear them down. [00:20]
2. Spiritual unrest often reveals a deeper problem—a lack of true relationship with God. Titles, years of service, or religious activity cannot substitute for a heart that is at peace with God. Those who consistently bring unrest or seek self-glory are exposing a spiritual deficit that only genuine repentance and surrender can heal. [03:07]
3. Entering God’s rest requires ceasing from our own ambitions and works. It means letting go of personal agendas, pleasures, and the need for recognition, and instead laboring to do God’s will. This surrender is not always easy, but it is the path to true spiritual fulfillment and lasting peace. [10:58]
4. The Word of God is essential for maintaining spiritual rest. Scripture is alive and powerful, able to expose our motives and guide our steps. Regular, honest engagement with the Word brings correction, encouragement, and the spiritual “X-ray” we need to stay aligned with God’s heart. [24:03]
5. God’s rest is personal and cannot be inherited or borrowed from others. Each believer must choose to trust God, regardless of circumstances or the actions of those around them. Spiritual rest is not about outward connections or religious pedigree, but about being truly connected to God and living in humble dependence on Him. [28:04]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:20] - The Call to Rest for God’s People
[01:14] - Trusting God Over Worry and Fear
[02:09] - Avoiding Chaos and Destructive Company
[03:07] - Spiritual Deficit and Unrest in the Church
[04:35] - The Impact of Unrest on the Holy Spirit
[05:14] - True Salvation Versus Outward Religion
[06:05] - Entering God’s Rest: A Personal Challenge
[07:19] - The Journey from Failure to Restoration
[08:08] - God’s Rest Is Not Inherited
[09:06] - The Difference Between Fleshly and Spiritual Rest
[10:58] - Ceasing from Our Own Works
[12:06] - The Necessity of Sabbath and Spiritual Renewal
[13:31] - Cutting Off Distractions and Resting in God
[14:29] - Laboring to Enter God’s Rest
[20:28] - The Power of God’s Word
[24:03] - The Word as a Spiritual X-Ray
[27:26] - The Reality of Spiritual Rest
[28:20] - Closing and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Hebrews 4:9-13 — (This passage is the clear “text” for the sermon, referenced and quoted throughout.)

Observation Questions

According to Hebrews 4:9-11, what does it mean to “enter God’s rest”? What are believers instructed to do in order to enter that rest?
In the sermon, what are some specific behaviors or attitudes that show a person is not living in God’s rest? ([00:20])
How does the Word of God function in the life of a believer, according to Hebrews 4:12 and the sermon? ([24:03])
What does the pastor say about the difference between outward religious activity and true spiritual rest? ([05:14])

Interpretation Questions

The pastor says that true salvation is marked by a deep, abiding rest in God. Why might someone who is always stirring up drama or living in chaos be showing a “spiritual deficit”? ([03:07])
Hebrews 4:10-11 talks about ceasing from our own works. What does it look like in real life to stop striving for our own ambitions and instead labor for God’s purposes? ([10:58])
The sermon mentions that God’s rest is not inherited from family or community. Why is it important that each person makes a personal choice to trust God, even when others around them do not? ([08:08])
The Word of God is described as a “spiritual X-ray.” How does regular engagement with Scripture help reveal our true motives and keep us aligned with God’s heart? ([24:03])

Application Questions

The pastor says that people who are truly at rest in God don’t stir up trouble or live in confusion. Are there situations in your life right now where you are tempted to create or participate in drama? What would it look like to choose rest and peace instead? ([00:20])
The sermon challenges us to let go of personal ambitions and pleasures to do God’s will. Is there something you enjoy or desire that you sense God is asking you to lay down for a season? How hard is it for you to surrender that, and what might help you do it? ([10:58])
The pastor warns against seeking self-glory or attention in the church. Have you ever found yourself wanting recognition or praise for your service or faith? How can you shift your focus from self to God’s purposes? ([04:35])
The sermon says that spiritual rest is possible even when bills are unpaid or health is uncertain. Can you share a time when you experienced God’s peace in the middle of a difficult circumstance? If not, what is one area where you need to trust God’s faithfulness right now? ([22:08])
The Word of God is described as a “spiritual X-ray” that exposes our motives. How often do you honestly let Scripture examine your heart? What is one practical step you can take this week to engage more deeply with God’s Word? ([24:03])
The pastor says that spiritual rest is a personal choice, not something we get from our family or friends. Are you relying on someone else’s faith or spiritual life to carry you? What would it look like for you to take personal responsibility for your walk with God? ([08:08])
The sermon mentions that the Holy Spirit cannot move freely where there is unrest and self-centeredness. Is there any area of unforgiveness, offense, or pride in your life that you need to let go of so that God can work more fully in you? ([04:35])

Sermon Clips

But God is saying if we're truly saved, we're going to be in rest. Think about that a moment. Yes. A 302 timeout. Yes. Therefore, a rest to the people of God. People that are at rest in God don't bring confusion. That's right. Amen. That's right. That's right. People that are in love with God don't drum up trouble every day of their life. People that love God don't want to hurt other folks's feelings.

You shouldn't be laying in a bed or sitting in a recliner worried about your health every day if you're a child of God. Amen. You shouldn't be crying over your children and your grandchildren every day like you do. Amen. If you're truly trusting God. That's right. And it goes for me, too. [00:01:16]

If you are in a conversations regular with people that walk in destruction from their mouth, leave them alone. Leave them alone. If they're not going to help you and they're not going to put deposits into your life, they've got a problem with God. And I don't care what their title is. [00:02:25]

If they're walking and trying to bring unrest to other men and women of God, they have a spiritual deficit in their lives. Amen. Amen. And the word of God teaches this. The children of God don't walk around in unrest and in distortion. Amen. Amen. And chaos. That's right. And meanness. [00:03:07]

When there's unrest in the family of God, the Holy Spirit cannot move properly. Amen. The Holy Spirit of God cannot function properly when you got someone in there that that got they want the self glory. Amen. M Amen. They want the red carpet treatment. Yes. [00:04:32]

They want to hear the name called four or five times during the service or they're going to go home with their head between the legs. Come on. You got to grow up. And more than that, you need to get saved. You know, there's a lot of folks preaching they're not saved. That's right. They don't know God. Amen. Come on. [00:05:00]

Because if you're really saved, brothers and sisters, you don't allow folks in your territory too long that got that brain junk with them. God, as a leader, I have had patience and patience with people and people. I've recycled more preachers than can be. We'll do it again. We'll do it again. [00:06:17]

Every every man of God and woman of God that felling into sin in this Bible. I don't where y'all where y'all's Bible is, but I'm going by the 66 books of this Bible. Where you think you going to live a perfect life, you lying to yourself. Amen. But we've got to be individuals. [00:07:05]

Entered into God's rest. It's not my wife's rest. It's not your your husband's rest. It's not your children's rest. It is not your grandchildren. It's not your co-workers's rest. It is God's rest. I'm trusting God. You all turn on God today. I'm going to trust God. [00:08:11]

Folks, you're not in God's rest. You're in your own flesh. I feel bad today. Some folks feel bad every day. It ain't many days they feel good. You know why? Because they're truly not in God's rest. And that may hurt somebody's feelings, but I'm telling you the truth. [00:09:07]

But my mind is so concentrated on doing his work, not my work. Yes, Lord. Look there at Hebrews 4:10. He also has ceased from his own works. Yes. When we start doing it God's way, things change. Yes. Amen. Amen, sir. [00:10:58]

We got to have a day that we turn off everything. Yes. But God. Amen. That's right. Amen. I can't I can't deal with the university today. Dr. Raphael. I can't deal with all the preachers and their hundreds and hundreds every month contacting me all around the world. [00:12:35]

But while the wind is hitting your face, you need to rest in God and truly depend on God and not thinking whom you can attack next. That's right. Or how powerful you think you are because you talk so demanding. Folks could care less how how datorial you talk or how powerful you talk. [00:13:43]

Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest. Number 11. Are we laboring every minute of every hour of every day to walk into God's rest right now? Are you laboring? Verse 11, Hebrews chapter 4. Are you laboring for God or are you laboring for yourself? [00:14:22]

If you're reading the word of God every day, God will be quick to you and God will be powerful to you. And you say that's a little bit hard to take. I would I would rather give it to you straight that I'm at your home going and I know you didn't make it. Amen. Amen. [00:21:34]

God's people are in are at rest when the bills aren't paid. Amen. Amen. Can I say it again? God's people are at rest when the bills aren't paid. Amen. Anointing's heavy on me today. That's right. I'm going to ask him later why. [00:22:11]

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