ou know, sometimes I think we make this Christian walk too difficult. In fact, we might even go so far as to make life in general too hard. We put unnecessary pressures on ourselves and burden ourselves with worries and cares that in the grand scheme of things don’t really matter all that much. However, when we focus on Jesus, our perspective on life changes and as a result the burdens are lifted because we know that we can hand them over to him. Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28-30:
“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.”
This portion of scripture makes me think about the story of Mary and Martha. Jesus came to their house and Martha was so concerned about cleaning up that she became wrapped up in the task, while Mary just sat at Jesus’ feet. Martha got upset that Mary wasn’t working, and Jesus said that Mary had chosen what is better. Sometimes we take life too seriously. We focus on things that don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things, when we should be finding rest in what – or actually who – matters; Jesus. I challenge you to try and find rest in him. Notice that the scripture says that Jesus will give you rest for your souls. That is a different type of rest than rest for your body. I believe that rest for the soul deals with a cleansing peace and a refreshing that goes deeper than body rest. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders”. I think we all know what that means. It isn’t physical. But when someone says “a huge weight is lifted”, it is lifted off of the soul. And that is what Jesus offers. So, if that is you, I challenge you to come to him for rest.
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I challenge you to find rest in Jesus. He says that his yoke is easy and his burden is light; that he is gentle and humble in heart. To me that sounds very inviting. So, whatever is burdening you, or troubling you, look at it through the lens of Jesus. If you’re making your situation out to be larger than it is, then consider adjusting your perspective, looking at it in the scheme of eternity. And if you are truly facing something that is larger than yourself, remember that when placing your trust in Jesus, there is nothing too difficult for him. It is out of your control anyway, so hand it over to someone who has control. In either case, I hope you can find rest in him.