Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30 “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.”
Devotion: Growing up in small town Iowa, there was a heavy emphasis placed on church activities. Whether you want to confirmation, youth group, or CCD, these all took priority during the week from any school sanctioned sport or activity. Every Wednesday, I left practice early from whatever sport was in season at the time. Each of my coaches allowed this and didn’t count it against me, as it was encouraged to be involved. Church was first, school activities were second. And this was at a public school. Practices were shortened for everyone on Wednesday evenings, and there were never any games or events on Sundays.
Now? That pace has certainly changed. With club sports ramping up, there are almost always practices, tournaments, and games that take up Sunday mornings. If you have more than one game, you certainly can’t make it to church as a family. The priority is running from one thing to another. It feels busy. It feels like it is somehow never enough for your kids, as there is always something else you could sign them up for. It feels like a rat race. One of my favorite sayings from a coworker of mine was when she referred to someone as living, “Mach 10 with her hair on fire.” But honestly? That’s just the expected pace of life anymore. Whether you have kids, are trying to climb a corporate ladder, or are trying to work enough to save up for retirement, the expectation is that you grind and work. And then wake up and do it again tomorrow.
But the peace of God? That feels much different. Let’s just take a moment to reread our verses for today. “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” (Matthew 11:28-30).
When we are burnt out, tired of running the race of this life, we can go to our Father. In Him, we will find rest. He will give us His peace. He is gentle and humble in heart. And then there is this promise- that we will find rest for our souls. It is my prayer that as we wrap up this week about worry, that we would do exactly that. We would turn to Jesus, find rest for our weary souls, and fall into the embrace of His peace.
Reflect:
- In what areas of life are you stretched thin or going at a pace you cannot maintain?
- How can you shift to spend time with the Lord and find rest for your soul?
