This is the third post of our series on Rest
According to the American Psychological Association, 83% of adults age 18 and older in the United States say uncertainties about the future of our nation is a major source of stress. That is 8 out of 10 people.
A Listening Heart
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This is understandable given the pandemic, the economy, and social protests.
But let me ask you on a personal level, what is stressing you out today?
Are you worried about your:
- Job, finances, paying your mortgage, medical bills, or your health?
- Are you concerned about the well-being of your children and providing for them?
- Do you stress over juggling multiple responsibilities?
- Are you worried about having no transportation because your car is broken down?
- Do you have trouble relaxing and falling asleep at night? Do you feel tired all the time?
- Are you worried about your past, what others think of you, or how you don’t measure up?
Do you find yourself worrying about the wild-fires, hurricanes, storms, earthquakes, and other natural disasters?
Whatever group you fall into, over 8 out of 10 people are stressed in our nation. That means many of us are spending a lot of time being worried.
Worry and stress is food for the enemy of our souls. He loves to keep us spinning around as we imagine all kinds of what if scenarios.
But I have good news for you.
Exchange Your Weariness for Rest.
It is an invitation to Come and Rest.
Jesus invites you and me to do the opposite of worry. He invites us to come and rest.
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. Matt. 11:28-30 MSG
Did you get that? Do you want to live freely and lightly? Will you accept Jesus’ invitation to come and be yoked, that is – join your life with him so you can find refreshment and rest for your soul.
In case you are asking, what is a yoke?
I am glad you asked. A yoke a wooden bar that farmers use to join two oxen together so they can pull a heavy load.
So, when we are yoked with Jesus, he does the heavy lifting and we can let go of stress knowing that he is with us as we go about our daily lives and activities.
To be yoked with Jesus means we unite with him by faith, lean on him through his Word, worship, prayer, and trust him to guide us. By uniting with Jesus, our load is lighter.
What does this look like in real life? Think about the woman in Proverbs 31. Have you ever wondered how she could accomplish so much without stress or even missing a beat?
Do you want to know her secret!
Her life was anchored in God or to put in another way she was yoked with God. She moved and flowed in God and he clothed her with dignity and strength.
Charm is deceptive, beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Prov. 31:30
Would you like to live free of stress like this woman?
Jesus wants to do the same thing for you and me. His invitation to Come and Rest is real. It is free. To take up his offer, all you need is to put your faith in him and release your burdens to him.
What pressures are you facing today? Are you willing to come to Jesus, unite with him, and exchange your burdens for real rest, soul rest?
Prayer
Father, I bless your name. I bring my heavy burdens and all the cares, that are weighing me down to you. I want to exchange them for your rest, soul rest. Thank you for inviting me to join my life with yours, and for refreshing my soul with your gentle and humble ways. I love you, Lord! I pray with thanksgiving in the powerful name of Jesus’ Name. Amen.
