40 Days of Encouragement

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of Encouragement
Day 6 | THE REST YOU NEED
THE REST YOU NEED

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.”
(NIV)

Every age seems to have its ways that tire people out. In my grandparent's era – and before – farming was the primary activity that drained their energies and earned them an income. Today, I see the freeways PACKED at rush hour with people driving to go to work and earn a living. (I suspect FEW are driving to a farm, haha!)

And yet, these commuters also return home in the evening and are tired and weary from their workday (and the driving) just as the farmers were from theirs.

So, what's the answer? In both cases, it is the same. Lean into Jesus. Come to Him, take His yoke, and He will give you rest.

Have you ever considered that people need different types of rest? For instance, the one who does a lot of physical work at work needs to stop moving and get physically re-charged. Those who sit on their computers all day may need to exercise and rest mentally. For those who counsel people all day, an even different rest is required.

The point is that Jesus offers EACH OF US the type of rest that we need.

When Jesus says to “take my yoke upon you and learn from me” and “for my yoke is easy,” he's talking about becoming a Follower of Jesus. And that's the key to receiving the rest that you need.

What kind of rest do you need?  Remember His promise… “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Prayer: LORD, I do get weary and tired. I need the real rest that only You can give me. Thank You for being willing. Amen.