He Will Give You Rest - The Crosswalk Devotional - February 7

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He Will Give You Rest
By Megan Conner

Bible Reading:
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)

Are you tired? Worn out? Exhausted? Do you feel as if you are carrying an elephant on your back as you trudge through your endless list of tasks and obligations? Often, our lives are immersed in busyness with little room for margin or respite. Even when one project or season concludes, the next set of responsibilities quickly takes its place. But truthfully, the weariness we feel goes much deeper than our daily commitments. It is a weariness of soul that weighs so heavily upon us.

Jesus came to this mortal realm and lived among us as both God and man. This concept of deity wrapped in flesh can be incredibly difficult for our finite minds to comprehend. However, despite the mind-blowing complexities of a God who would elect to leave His eternal home for a temporal one, the gift of this reality is that we were not only offered a divine Creator responsible for our origin, but more intimately, a Savior who understands our human plight. Having lived on Earth as a man, Jesus recognizes how the cares of this world can so easily compile upon us and become heavy burdens.

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Heb. 4:16 (NKJV)

Our Lord empathizes with our struggles. He knows how overwhelmed we feel. He understands our weariness. But thankfully, He does not leave us there. He invites us into freedom – into rest.

“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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matt. 11:28-30 (NKJV)

Not only does Jesus grant us rest, He offers to carry our burdens for us! Think of how wonderful it feels when you’ve had an extremely long day and a family member steps in and completes a chore for you. Maybe they wash the dishes, do the laundry, or put the kids to bed so you can simply stop and sit down. Their contribution is not only a blessing, but it takes a load off of your shoulders. Suddenly, you can breathe a little easier.

Here, it is not just a family member or friend offering assistance, it is the King of Kings! His love and care for you is so profound that He personally offers to bear your burdens so you don’t have to. And He doesn’t stop there. He also offers to teach you and guide you in a different way – a better way. His humility and gentleness can lead you to green pastures and still waters where you can find rest for your soul.

If you are feeling weary and worn today, may I encourage you to join me as we lay down the heavy burdens we are carrying in exchange for His light and easy yoke. When we are tethered to Him there is nothing we cannot handle.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Are you feeling overwhelmed, maybe even discouraged? Do you feel like you are trapped in the hamster wheel of life? Do you feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel and the burdens you are carrying will never end? If so, how does today’s scripture offer you any encouragement? How does knowing Jesus empathizes with your struggles help you? Do you believe that you can release your cares to Him? Take some time today to reread our main scripture three times, then select at least one concern you feel you can release to Him. Then, ask the Lord to fulfill the promise of this passage. As you learn to exchange your burdens for His light yoke, I pray you discover rest for your soul.

Further Reading:
Hebrews 4:14-16
Psalm 23

Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Choreograph 

Megan J. Conner is an author, editor, speaker, avid consumer of literature, writing consultant, and overall lover of all things creative!  She is passionate about the written word and compelling storytelling. Whether that is through imaginative and whimsical children’s literature or faith-based works that allow readers to be immersed in narratives of authentic faith shared through the lives of imperfect people, Megan hopes to remind audiences of the beauty and power of shared stories.

To read more from Megan, check out her Blog, Just One More Chapter.  If you would like to connect further with Megan, you can discover more on her Website, on Facebook, or Instagram.

Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com! 

Related Resource: 9 Confusing Things about God– Answered By a Christian Philosopher

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