“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”– Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
This beautiful stained glass resides in our church. I often notice it in the lobby area, especially when it is lit with special lights. I like the image of Jesus standing with His arms wide open, welcoming us in. Welcoming us to find rest in Him alone.
There are times in life we may feel we are carrying a heavy burden. We stoop under its weight, we push up with all our might, but still, it threatens to crush us. Physical ailments can crush us. Emotional burdens can crush us. Spiritual burdens can crush us. We may try to get extra sleep, head to our medicine cabinets, or see our doctor, but where can we find complete and total rest?
Several years ago my daughter dealt with medical issues that threatened to crush her physically, emotionally, and spiritually. There seemed to be no way out, and daily I cried out to God to release her and our family from the crushing yoke of burdens we carried. A turning point for our family was a trip away, a time to refresh and renew our spirits. Time together to play, see beautiful scenery, get away from some of our burdens, and just be alive together. It couldn’t have come at a better time. We all were in desperate need of rest and renewal, so we spent time with God and one another, and came back to face our challenges, restored.
Jesus invites us to trade our heavy yoke of burdens for His easy and light yoke. He knows things in life can crush us, and in His humbleness and gentleness He woos us to find rest from the burdens we find ourselves dealing with. He invites us, arms open, to “Come to me” and “Learn from me”. Jesus actually wants to teach us how to find rest for our souls. He knows the way and wants to share it with us. Will you allow Him to exchange your heavy yoke for His light and easy yoke today? Only true rest comes from Him.
Prayer- “Lord God, I have often looked for rest from my burdens in places besides you. I ask today that you will give me the faith to come to you, and allow you to exchange my heavy burdens for your light ones. I need rest for my soul and pray you will teach me how to find it in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Prayer For All Days 