In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of success, recognition, and accumulating wealth. We often find ourselves striving and wrestling with the challenges of this world, all while seeking a sense of rest and peace. But what if I told you that true rest can be found in a different way? It's not about striving, but about knowing.

Before we dive into the practical steps for experiencing this transformative rest, I want to share something with you. If you commit to following these steps for just one month, I guarantee you everything will change. You see, it's not about an instant revolution in your life, but a profound shift in your perspective. You'll start to live from a different place, one of rest instead of relentless striving. It's not about discarding your responsibilities, but about approaching them from a new vantage point, guided by trust and intimacy with God.

As we embark on this journey toward true rest, let's explore the three practical steps that can lead us there:

1. Be Aware of His Tender Affection

Every day, take a few moments to be aware of God's tender affection for you. Start your day by acknowledging His love. Spend just five minutes in stillness, asking God to make you aware of His affection for you. Recognize that He abides in you as you abide in Him. His tender affection is new every morning, waiting for you to embrace it.

2. Surround Yourself with Loving People

Rest is not found in isolation but in community. Seek out people who light up when they see you. Connect with those who love and support you unconditionally. When you're with them, you'll experience the kind of rest that comes from knowing you're cherished. Hebrews 3 reminds us of the importance of encouraging one another. Build relationships with those who lift you up and encourage you on your journey.

3. Give Up the Fight

The relentless battle to accumulate wealth, gain recognition, and overcome our own struggles can leave us drained. It's time to give up the fight, not by surrendering to the world, but by redirecting our energy toward knowing the Father. Resolve each morning to cease striving and start knowing. Let go of the unnecessary burdens and trust in God's provision.

As you take these practical steps, you'll begin to live from a place of rest rather than struggle. The key is to know Him, to recognize His tender affection, and to trust that He abides in you. The goal is not to subtract something from your life but to add a deeper awareness of His presence.

Rest doesn't mean doing nothing; it means doing everything from a position of trust and intimacy with God. When you limit yourself by letting go of the things you can release, you create space for God to work in your life. Start with one thing, and you'll find that rest will flow from your heart as you live in His love.

As we reflect on the significance of rest and faith, I also want to encourage you to explore the Scriptures, specifically Hebrews 3-4. The book of Hebrews beautifully expounds on these themes and provides profound insights into our relationship with God. Take some time to read and meditate on these chapters to deepen your understanding and connection with the message of rest and faith.

What's one thing you can let go of today to make room for rest and God's tender affection? It's time to embrace the rest that God offers and live from a place of trust and intimacy with Him.