“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. ~Matthew 11:28,29
Have you ever tried to rest and your mind is just all over the place? You may toss and turn at night while events, concerns, worries or fears replay in your mind. Your body is at rest but your mind is doing a triathlon. There are times when we can be burdened by unfortunate life events and we feel overwhelmed by it all. Whether it’s the kids, the spouse, parents, bills, the job or health issues, life can get quite stressful. Even to look at the news is upsetting. It breaks my heart to see the senseless murders, terrorist attacks, division, and just so much unrest. The bible warns us that in the last days, perilous times will come. (2 Tim. 3:1) We are living it right before our eyes. So how do we stay in a spirit of rest, when there’s so much unrest in the world?
Jesus said in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” In all that’s going on in our lives and in this world we can take heart. We are under the sovereign care of God. He offers us a personal invitation to come to Him, and find true rest for our souls. A place of tranquility and stillness, where He calms fears and alleviates anxieties. A relief from the burdens of life. It is here where I resign all that I am to Him. I exhale, let go, unmask, and lay limp in the comfort of His Everlasting Arms.
Lately I’ve been feeling a gentle tug at my heart. It’s so tender, subtle, and yet so insistent and full of God’s love and grace. Very early in the morning I feel Jesus inviting me to steal away with Him to abide in His gracious presence. The Lord knows the perfect time to bid for me to come to Him. No phone ringing, no dinner to prepare, and no errands to run. He draws me before the break of day while the darkness still fills the sky. I accept His invitation to come to Him and find rest for my soul.
Humbled in His presence I am broken. I cry out to Him from the inner depths of my heart. In this moment I’m so aware of my dire need for Him. Apart from Him; I’m afraid. Apart from Him; I’m anxious. Apart from Him; I’m a chronic worrier. Apart from Him; I’m sad. Apart from Him; I’m weak. Apart Him; I am nothing.
In this place of absolute surrender, self-will is exhausted. No more laboring in our own strength. Now the life of Jesus can flow freely through us. This is the place of true rest and complete dependency on Him. Casting all our cares on Him. In Christ is everything we need pertaining to life and godliness. (2 Pet. 1:3) Now, that’s an invitation we can’t refuse!
I’m so thankful to God that we are never left alone and that we have a place of refuge, comfort, peace, and restoration. We have to be mindful that although chaos is taking place in the world and sometimes in our lives, to pray continually and be watchful. But never get distracted. We have to keep our focus on God and seek His will in all things. Be steadfast and hold on to your faith. Take heart and find shelter in God’s presence. Though the noise of this world gets loud, He quiets us with His love, in the secret place, and we find rest in His glory.
Lord I thank You for Your saving grace. Thank You for inviting me to find rest in You. I respond with a greater Yes. In Jesus name, amen.
