REST IN CHRIST
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)
All of us go through valleys. No matter how strong you are, at some point, you will be brought low because life is full of trials and tribulations. While we want to project strength and confidence to our family and friends, the reality is each of us, at times, can feel worn down and weary. Perhaps right now, in this particular season, you're hanging on by a thread. You're struggling to see a way forward, and the sorrow can feel suffocating.
The good news of the Gospel is that Jesus offers a better way. Salvation is about more than just going to heaven when you die. Jesus said He came to give eternal, abundant life (see John 10:10). That starts here and now. We can walk in His ways and find rest for our souls. Stop and think about where you turn when you're in those difficult seasons. Are you looking for your friends and family to give you peace? Your success or bank account? A new adventure or toy? None of those things can offer what Jesus alone brings.
You might be a relatively new believer or have followed Jesus for most of your life. Either way, you must make resting and abiding in Him a priority. What an incredible invitation to do so!
APPLICATION: It's easy to say we should rest in Him—but how? Set up a time today to be completely distraction-free. No spouse or children. No technological interruptions. Turn your devices off or, at the very least, leave them in another room. Get alone—out for a walk or sitting still in a room or whatever works for you. Concentrate on just being with God. Ask Him to make Himself known to you. Implore the Spirit to stir within you and guide you. You may be thinking you don't have time to do this. And while an hour or two would be nice, start with what you've got, even if it's only five minutes!
PRAYER: God, thank You for the rest that can be found in You alone. Help me to abide in You always, no matter the circumstances. Draw near to me as I draw near to You, Lord. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?