“I’m exhausted,” Hannah said. “Emotionally, physically, and, most of all, spiritually.” I seldom pray or read my Bible. I just don’t have time. I’m always behind or late on everything. And I’m grouchy.”
I thought of my weary friend Hannah when I read the most delicious invitation tucked into the pages of Matthew’s gospel:
“Come to Me, all you 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.”
Rest.
How can one tiny word inspire visions of green pastures dappled in sunshine, a Pawley’s Island hammock swinging in an ocean breeze, or a sleep so deep that an elephant stampede can’t disturb it?
And how can yearning for this kind of rest make us feel more tired than ever? Bone weary, even, when we think about what we could have, but don’t. Like we’ve glimpsed the magic unicorn we know doesn’t exist, but wish it did.
But true rest isn’t an imaginary unicorn, it’s a real thing.
How do I know? Because Jesus invites us to come, to bring our tired bodies, minds, and souls to him so He can transform them.
If you’re wondering how to position ourselves to receive His rest, these three verses show us how.
Come unto me.
Recharging begins with God, sharing our hopes, fears, and needs for the day. By dedicating our day to God, we invite him to work in and through us to accomplish His purposes. When we do, we can rest in confidence, knowing God’s will will be done.
After we talk to God, then we allow Him to talk to us. The best way to hear God’s voice is through His Word. When we read our Bibles, sometimes a passage will speak into our need. We might find a promise to claim, a sin to confess, or an attribute of God to cling to. Coming to God every morning gives us the tools and perspective we need for the day.
I will give you rest.
God has given us commands and principles in His Word to show us how to build healthy margins into our lives. These enable us to rest and recharge.
Work six days and take the seventh off (Exodus 34:21).
Don’t strive to be rich. Give some of your money away (1 Timothy 6:16-19).
Assemble regularly with other believers (Hebrews 10:25).
Get an adequate amount of sleep (Psalm 3:5).
Serve others (1 Peter 4:10). Value people over projects.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.
A yoke is a device that allows two animals to work together. When we take Jesus’ yoke upon ourselves, we accept our unique and personal calling. No team of animals ever wears another team’s yoke. Similarly, God provides tools, gifts, and enabling to allow us to successfully accomplish the specific tasks He has called us—and only us—to do.
When we work within our gifts and callings, we partner with God to accomplish his purposes. When we fight against them or disparage our gifts, we, in essence, try to wear someone else’s yoke.
My yoke is easy and my burden is light.
The best part of Jesus’ yoke is that He partners with us to bear the load. When we submit to him by symbolically placing our head in His yoke, He yokes up with us. Working with him rather than against or without him, we can accomplish everything He wants us to do.
If you’re in need of rest today, come unto Him. . .
A Word for Your Day — 66 Devotions to Refresh Your Mind
Allow God’s Word to change your life, one word at a time! Lori Hatcher’s newest book, a 66-day devotional highlights one relevant, sometimes unexpected, word from each book of the Bible. Lori, the best-selling author of Refresh Your Faith and Refresh Your Prayers, shares simple—but never simplistic—truths. She continues to remind us that every part of Scripture is active, alive, and applicable.
From beginning in Genesis to new in Revelation, ponder each significant word as you move through your day and allow God to transform your heart and mind.
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Resting in God is truly the only way to find peace, rest, and restoration of your spirit. For me, time “in the world” can sometimes wear me down and leave my soul feeling parched. That’s when I go for “Eternity Time”, such as donning the headphones, heading for the recliner, and listening to God’s word, or worship music, or entering into silent prayer; or more often “All of the Above.” What’s amazing is that in the midst of it, I find rest (to the point of falling asleep in grace.). God’s blessings. Enjoyed the post ma’am.
I love these practical and effective ways to seek rest in Jesus. And yes, we only sleep when our hearts are at peace. And true peace comes from the Prince of Peace, our wonderful Savior. Thanks for sharing today, J.D.
Lori, thank you for emphasizing that God has a plan for rest we’d be wise to follow. Your descriptions of partnering with God make the Scripture passage clear. What joy to know, “He partners with us to bear the load.”
Jeannie, if He didn’t, I don’t know how we could bear it! I’m so grateful to know that His yoke is easy and His burden light if we allow Him to carry the heaviest parts of our load. Thanks so much for being an engaged member of the Refresh family.
LOVE your new site, my friend! May God bless this spot in the cyber world exceedingly and abundantly, so that you may use the words He gives you for His Kingdom purposes and His glory. Blessings!!! May God “refresh” you anew each day, so that you can wear all those hats that you do so beautifully and successfully!!
Thank you, my friend!
Amen. When we share time with God, we can rest in His peace and comfort. 🙂
It’s really the very best way, Melissa, to find true peace. And in His presence, there’s fullness of JOY! thanks for joining the conversation 🙂