Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
“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 (MSG)
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
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“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.” -AMPLIFIED
Those who are weary, tired and burdened; Jesus calls out to them “Come…come to me, and I will give you rest.” These verses hold so much comfort, peace and hope for those who are struggling just to continue on in life.
We can see that Jesus’ words were directed to those who struggled with the burden of religious ritual and tradition, but it also applies to those who struggle with the physical, mental, and emotional burdens; as well as those spiritual battles of this life. Jesus’ invitation was to Come; come to me, come and be relieved of that burden and allow me to give you rest.
Society today has become so fast paced that at times there is an overwhelming need to get away from it all. How many times have you said to yourself, “If I don’t get away from this soon I am going to lose my mind.”? This is exactly the place where Jesus does not want us to be in. He promises to us that if we will only come to Him He will take those overwhelming burdens off of our shoulders and give us sweet, calming, soothing rest.
Oswald Chambers comments that Jesus is saying to us, “I will give you rest; I will stay you (uphold, strengthen, sustain) Not – I will put you to bed and hold your hand and sing you to sleep; but – I will get you out of bed, out of the languor and exhaustion, out of the state of being half dead while you are alive; I will imbue you with the spirit of life, and you will be stayed by the perfection of vital activity.” Hallelujah!
David knew, he who seemingly was surrounded by hectic and turbulent circumstances, saw and understood the need to be still and find rest in the presence of the Lord. David reminds us of the need to be reliant on God with these words, “Open up before God, keep nothing back; he’ll do whatever needs to be done: He’ll validate your life in the clear light of day and stamp you with approval at high noon. Quiet down before God, be prayerful before him. Don’t bother with those who climb the ladder, who elbow their way to the top.” -Psalms 37:5-7 (MSG)
There are so many of us who need to learn to rest at the feet of our Savior. We need to let the anxieties and troubles of this life go and find rest in the presence of our King. Even in the midst of the storms Jesus can give us peace; trust Him.
My Prayer:
Jesus, I come to you with every burden, trouble and pain and I lay them all at your feet. You said “Come” and you would give me rest; so I come now and sit at your feet. As I humble myself, I ask that you will give me comfort and peace. Walk with me and work with me; for I know you are loving and tender, only wanting Your best for me. You are my hope and my salvation, Lord; be my all in all.
Growing with God 