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: A survey conducted in 2016 showed that 52% of Americans are usually trying to do two or more things at once. While that survey was conducted eight years ago, I have to believe that the number has either stayed about the same or increased. With the progress that is continually made in technology, we have the ability to get more done in less time and multitask. But instead of using that as a way to have more margin in our lives, society as whole has just filled that time with more work and more activities.
On top of that, we all have a tendency to play “Keeping up with Joneses.” We compare our lives to our neighbors’ and friends’, feeling like we have to continually meet the same standards and expectations that someone is setting (I would like to add- who exactly is this “someone” that is setting them? Because it feels as though not one of us can keep up). The words that come from our Scripture today are “weary” and “burdened.” Do either of those hit home for you right now?
When we think about adding a quiet time to our already busy schedules, it can feel like simply one more task to check off. But Jesus reminds us that His burden is light. When we come to Him, we will find rest for our souls. When we sit down to spend time with God, we can be renewed. During this time, we get to hear from Him in His Word, praise Him, thank Him, and we can cast all of our anxieties and cares on Him. In return, we are given His peace and the reminder that He is unwavering and in control. That alone helps calm our soul.
Reflect:
- Take some time in prayer today and use the ACTS prayer model:
Adoration: Glorifying God
Confession: Repenting to God
Thanksgiving: Expressing Gratitude to God
Supplication: Making Requests of God
Listen: “Getaway”- Taya