Everyone seems to want a formula today; for a successful career; a formula for great family; a formula to get rich; a formula for getting and maintain good health; and the list goes on. The way our society thinks is that if they have a formula then they can solve whatever problem they are facing. The flip side to this thinking is that many have the mentality that having a formula relieves them of any responsibility in the process. That is just not true.  We always have responsibility in every aspect of our lives.

The dictionary defines a formula as: a set form of words for ceremonial use; a recipe, a prescription, a group of symbols or figures joined to express information concisely; a customary or set form or method. But I like my definition of the word formula better: an equation or steps that get you from one place to another.

With natural formulas or prescriptions, etc., there can be different results dependent upon the nature of the individual working the formula or taking the prescription. In regard to a successful career, there are even more variants because of the number of people involved in a company pining for the same promotion. You may do all the right things and still not achieve the desired result you hoped for.

Even in planting a garden there are steps that must be taken in order for the seeds to grow and produce.  Then there are sports that have certain rule that players must abide by to be on a team and to play the game correctly.  As you can see, formulas, or rules are everywhere in our lives.  This is also true of the Word of God. He has set principles or steps in His Word for us to live by and thereby achieve success in every area of our lives. Living by His steps and principles change us into the image of His dear Son, from glory to glory. (2 Corinthians 3:18) In my opinion, the best formula we can live by is the Word of God; it always gives us the desired result we hope for – to be like Jesus.

I’ve been reading in Hebrews the past couple of days. Chapters three and four have really stood out to me as I read about entering into His rest. When I think of rest, I also think of having peace in my heart and mind. In light of all the pandemic of the past few months I think people are looking for rest, or perhaps more specifically, peace.

Chapters three and four of Hebrews are basically talking about the Israelites who didn’t enter His rest and those who did when they came out of Egypt.  There is a pattern in both types of people, and the all-important difference is those who believe and those who did not believe.

Hebrews 3:7-12 is actually referring to the Israelites coming out of Egypt, and puts it very plain that the reason they could not enter into God’s rest (which was His promise) was because when they heard His voice they harden their hearts; they did not know His ways; which cause an evil heart of unbelief; which led them to depart from the living God. This is a real problem and anyone can find themselves in that situation of unbelief if not careful, even today. We are then exhorted in verse 15 to “harden not our hearts”. Apparently, it’s our choice. Chapter 4:2 clearly states that a person can hear the gospel preached and not profit from it if they don’t mix what they heard with faith. Verse three states that those who enter His rest are those who do believe. Believing is a choice.

Hebrew 4:1 begins with the admonition to not come short of it (faith and believing). The only way to keep ourselves in faith is to continue to hear the Word; to hide it in our hearts, and to watch and pray. (Romans 10:17, Psalm 119:11, Matthew 26:14) We need to be careful and diligent to monitor our thoughts about hearing the Word of God preached.  Believing the Word is a choice.

God’s formula-part for us is His “eternal concisely principled set of words”, better known as the Bible which instructs us how to live for Him by faith, and therefore enabling us to enter into His rest and peace. His way is secure, sure, and accomplishes what He sent it forth to do. (Isaiah 55:11) Our part is believing it until His Word comes to pass in our lives.