To say we’re living in a fast paced world is an understatement. People are on the go constantly! I’m one of those people. Sometimes I look at my life and wonder just exactly what I’m accomplishing. I’m certainly staying busy. I’m definitely on the go. I’m certainly worn out and tired beyond belief. What exactly have I accomplished? My house is literally the place where I sleep and shower just to get me refreshed enough for the next day’s “assignments”. I wish this were not the case. Most of the things I do are deemed necessary, so how do I get off the treadmill of the rat race? 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)
This is truly the answer! I love how practical Jesus is. He’s not denying that we have work to do. He’s not denying that we certainly need rest. He’s wanting to communicate a way to do life better. He wants us walking in an ease instead of tangled up frustration. So, first of all, we go to Him. We admit that we need help. We need His supernatural strength to get through these tough days. He says to take his “yoke” upon us. For anyone who doesn’t know, a yoke is a piece of equipment that would literally bind two animals together with their heads facing the same direction. You would usually put a younger, less experienced animal with an older, wiser animal. The wiser would then train the younger in whatever their task was. Since they were joined together, the wiser animal would see to it that he was the leader. Does this sound familiar? We’re joined to Jesus and He is literally wanting to teach us how to do life. We have to stay focused and literally lean into Him. He leads the way!
Jesus promised us in this scripture that if we yoke up to Him and do it His way, then He will give us rest for our souls. Our soul is our mind, will and emotions. Honestly, our souls get so weary. This is just the break we need. He’s the heavy lifter. Not us. When we try to do life in our own way, we always get into a mess! We’re carrying everything and not quite sure where we’re going. He knows the path He has carved out for each of us individually. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT) He obviously has a plan and knows the way! Why do we try to swim against the current? Life would be so much simpler to consult Him first.
Finally, the burden He gives us to bear is light. Yes, we have things to do. Yes, we have to get here and there. He just wants us doing it with a lighter load to carry. Let Jesus work out the details. He’s already invited you to do so. Stay connected to Him. He said “For apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NLT) So we can get everything accomplished that needs to be done all the while letting Him work in us the things He wants to accomplish in our lives. It’s a twofold win! Just by consulting with Him first, everything gets done and we’re not as emotionally drained as doing things our own way. Who knows? We may even find that we have more enjoyable time left at the end of the day! So don’t worry about what you can’t control. God is already in control of all of your tomorrows. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT) He is faithful to His promises always. So lighten up!
Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.
