Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Finding Rest


 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)

The doctor asks, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how severe is your pain level?” My wife replies, “Seven.”  I thought to myself, “Seven?”  She didn’t tell me that!  And in a moment, my week began not with the plans I had made or the various arrangements to ensure a very productive week.  Now, I had to make do with a new plan.  Focus on Loretta.  Then as the minutes went to hours, my focus went to my daughter.  What do I do about her dinner?  I can’t leave my wife’s side!  And I have so much work to do and things to plan for next weekend’s church service.  How am I going to figure this out?  Lord, I can’t.  I just can’t!  And then, I read words that I had heard numerous times.  “Come onto me.  All ye that labor.  And I will give your rest.” (Matthew 11:28b – KJV)
We should always take a moment to focus on God where we are. Not just as part of a ritual.  We all have various points in life where all of its issues and burdens seemingly come together.  It can be challenging and difficult to put things together, and you may feel out of sorts.  But Jesus Christ understands not just who you are but whose you are.  Furthermore, He is not only our savior at prayer time but also at stormy times.  We must always remain focused on the simple fact that when things are out of control, He is always in control.  We must rely on Him with the perfect peace that only He can provide.
There is nothing too big that our God cannot handle. It is paramount we remember that while we may not know the outcome of our story, we know who ultimately wins; Jesus Christ!  As such, we must remember that while we may struggle in our times of troubles there are a couple of stories that should instill confidence in Him.  First, Peter, when he started to sink while walking, “Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”” (Matthew 14:31)  Finally, Jesus reminds us in times of trouble, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)  Where are you filled with sorrow, grief, and worry today?  What can you do to ensure you find the peace Jesus Christ speaks of?  My prayer is that when we are worn down with the various troubles of the world, we find rest in our savior; Jesus Christ. Amen.

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