Rest Your Soul

“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.”
-Matthew 11:28-30

Most of the concerns that weigh you down were not given to you by God. Family problems, unemployment, toxic workplaces, chronic illness, and worries of all kinds — these burdens may seem to come with your role as a parent, a student, a breadwinner, or a caretaker. Some of them you may have picked up yourself, trying to make your life “just right.”
But when Jesus invites us to share His yoke, somehow the burden gets lighter. His burden doesn’t weigh us down. Jesus said so: “My burden is light.”
When Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,” he meant everyone. Those of you whose cargo has been there so long you’ve forgotten the lightness of traveling without it. Those of you who don’t know another way to live. All who are tired of shouldering the load can come to Him.
The yoke is easy now, because the weight has shifted. The burdens that used to seem crushing are bundled up with His. The concerns we could hardly bear seem manageable. They are part of our calling as a parent, student, provider, or caretaker. We find that we can do “everything through Christ, who gives us strength” (Philippians 4:13 NLT). I love how The Message paraphrases Jesus’ invitation: “Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (Matthew 11:30). Being yoked with Him is the best way of trusting and praying.

Following Today
Our burdens come in all shapes and sizes and durations, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you feel weighed down by something right now. Try this: Hold your hands out, palms facing upward. Now picture your burden resting in your hands. Lift your burden to Him as you pray, asking Him to help you live freely as you follow along with Him.