Dear friend, what is making you tired today?
Is it the never ending to-do list? Is it caring for a sick child, husband or relative? Is it financial hardship, loss of a job and uncertainty about the future? Are you battling your own physical or emotional ailments that cause you to loose hope? Do you feel far from God and looking for connection and fellowship?
Our lives are filled with burdens and duties that drain us physically, emotionally and physically. In Matthew 11:28-30, we see how God calls believers to come to Him for rest.
“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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” -Matthew 11:28-30 ESV
What does God mean when he says, “Come to me…and I will give you rest”?
In context, this passage echos the weary reality of the burden of fulfilling the law apart from Christ. In contrast, following Jesus is “easy” because His death on the cross fulfilled the law on our behalf. This offers us rest from the perpetual requirements of law keeping.
In practical terms, there is also something soul restoring that occurs when we take the time to literally sit and read the Word of God. It’s easy to turn on a Christian podcast or listen to an audio Bible. But God offers us true restorative rest when we sit down, even for five minutes, and read a physical copy of God’s Word.
During those moments of reading God’s Word, take the time to pray and reflect about what He is teaching you. Matthew 11 is an example of His Word teaching us to sit, learn, ponder, and obey. In your time today, consider how God is guiding your steps or calling you to find rest in Him.
Many Blessings,
Rose