“So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God …” (Hebrews 4:9). Sounds good, doesn’t it? But not always easy to enter into.

I believe that peace in our hearts is a big part of finding that Sabbath rest.

Do you find challenges to that rest and peace? I do. If we spend much time watching U.S. news we can get caught up in political turmoil. If we watch world news we can feel troubled or even helpless in the face of all the injustices. And at times there are things close to home or in our own hearts and minds that want to wear us down.

But God did not say we had to get all those things straightened out before we can get peace. I believe choosing peace and choosing to be a Sabbath keeper is a huge statement of our faith in how big we think our God is. We can set all of those things that assault our sense of peace aside and in faith reach and take what God is holding out to us.

A thought from Tim Keller (Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan): “Rest, ironically, is an activity that must be prepared for and then pursued.”

One step in preparing for that rest is to leave things behind that should be left behind and “closing the gate” on them. As we leave those things behind we make room for peace.

A step in pursuing is expressed in Matthew 11:28-29: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

As we leave things behind we can choose to draw near to Jesus. In love, He is calling us to His heart. Let’s respond to that call.

Another step in pursuing is to simply to sit down with Jesus. “We are seated with Him in heavenly places” (Ephesians 2:6). When we are seated with Him, we are above all the clamor of the earth and we find that sitting close to Him quiets our hearts.

This is what I am choosing this Sabbath day. I choose not to miss out on what He has for me. I am in faith that you are not missing out of anything He has for you either.

I have to add that I am also in faith that it goes beyond our hearts and out to a world in turmoil so that they find all the rest and peace that God has for them.