How important is it to rest?

Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28-29;“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.”

Have you ever looked for something you lost?

I remember losing my keys one morning. Searching frantically around the house, I kept coming up empty. I dumped the contents of my purse out, only to find nothing. I retraced my steps and searched through my car. Still, no keys were to be found. As I went back into my bedroom for one last look, I bent down on my knees to peer under the bed, on the off chance they were there. Nothing but dust bunnies.

However, while down on my knees, it occurred to me that in all my haste, I had failed to do one important thing. Ask. I forgot to ask God to help me find my keys. So right there, still on bended knee, I folded my hands, bowed my head and prayed. Miraculously, as I finished the prayer, I remembered exactly where my keys were. I have to wonder if God was not just waiting on me to ask for help all along.

Now, I have lost a new thing, my rest. And I desperately need to find it. But just like with my keys, I have not even paused long enough to ask God to help.

“God, I need rest for my soul.” 

Jesus said, “Take my yoke and learn from me and you will find rest.”

The definition of the word “rest” is to cease. To cease from work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself or recover strength.

Sometimes, I get so busy I think I do not have time to rest. There is just too much to do to take a break. But my body knows I need to relax, to refresh.

The truth be told, rest actually helps us recover strength. By not resting, we weaken ourselves. When we take the time to pause and relax, our bodies and minds recover. They heal.

“Take my yoke and learn from me and you will find rest.” 

If you know you need rest, but do not know where to find it, look no further.

Jesus shows us the way.

When Jesus mentions His yoke, He is talking about a piece you put over your shoulders, like a harness. This yoke attaches you to something.  Jesus is instructing us to attach ourselves to Him. By doing so, we learn from Him. In the learning, He shows us where we can find that rest. This is a promise.

So the next time you find yourself running on empty, anxious , and weary, look to Jesus and ask for help. Attach yourself to the One who gives you that perfect rest.

Let us pray;

Good and gracious God, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to teach us everything we need to know. Help us to look to Him and to never be afraid to ask. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

P.S. Leave me a comment below, because I love hearing from you. Forward this message to a friend who might need some encouragement today. Share on Facebook and tag me in it. And, meet me back here next week, where we will look at specific ways to find relax and refresh our souls. -M