One of my favorite hymns is “Home of the Soul.” Besides the beautiful alto lead in the chorus, there are the encouraging lyrics reminding us of what awaits us as children of God. “If for the prize we have striven, after our labors are o’er, rest to our souls will be given, on the eternal shore1.” Are you looking forward to finding rest for your soul?
Those who die in the Lord will find that rest in heaven. As we read in Revelation, “Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.”” (Revelation 14:12-13 NAS95)
The life of a Christian should be one of hard work. The Christian life takes perseverance—steadfast endurance for the Lord. The life of a Christian is one of diligently keeping the commands of God and holding to our faith in Jesus. The life of a Christian is at times filled with trouble and sorrow, temptation and trial. In all of this, we can grow weary. What is it that can keep us going strong?
One thing we must do is to keep our sights focused on heaven. We need to remind ourselves often that there is coming a day of great blessing for those who die in the Lord. There is coming a day of great rejoicing, a day of glory, and a day when we will finally lay all our burdens down and rest from our labors.
But while we are here on this earth, “Let us be diligent to enter that rest…” (Hebrews 4:11a NAS95) Let us be eager to respond to His voice. Let us be eager to work for the Lord. Let us be eager to serve others. “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” (Galatians 4:9 NAS95). It is a wonderful thing to spend your life being busy with the work of the Lord, knowing that He has provided us with a glorious place of rest in the future.
—Scott Colvin
1 “Home of the Soul,” Lyrics by James Rowe
Posted by Scott Colvin 
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