Matthew 11:28-30 CSB
"Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Jeremiah 31:23-25 CSB
This is what the LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says: "When I restore their fortunes, they will once again speak this word in the land of Judah and in its cities: 'May the LORD bless you, righteous settlement, holy mountain.' [24] Judah and all its cities will live in it together-also farmers and those who move with the flocks- [25] for I satisfy the thirsty person and feed all those who are weak."
Rest
The phrase “Are you weary and heavy laden” opens many Christian hymns, and for good reason. It is not uncommon to face so many trials that the heart simply wants to give up.
I remember lying in a long, narrow tube, moving slowly forward until I came to a stop. With my head latched to the table, every instinct told me to get up and run—but I knew that wasn’t an option. I do not do well in tight, confined spaces. In those moments, my mind would wander to everything I was enduring: being away from home at a nursing facility, the inability to eat due to treatment, and my organs beginning to fail under the weight of chemotherapy. I was losing my career because I could no longer function. Then, the surgery went wrong.
I was at the end of my rope—tired and exhausted. Yet, in those dark days, a moment of light broke through to make me smile. The hospital allowed my wife to bring my dog to my room. He did not remember me at first, but as I rubbed his belly, his head jerked up in recognition. In that moment, I found comfort.
We can all add times in our lives where we feel weary and burdened—health crises, financial stress, burdens at work, or not being supported by those around us. But in those times, and when times are good, we have a promise from the Master. Jesus says, “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden.”
Sometimes life humbles us enough that we are among the fortunate few who can come to the Lord in humble admiration and find rest for our souls—that inner happiness that comes only from Him.
It was a hard two years recovering from surgery, just two years shy of retirement, but the Lord saw us through. Money and side jobs came exactly when they were needed. It was such a comfort to watch the Lord bring me through the trial as I rested in His arms. Jesus is there for all who call on Him.
Spiritual Reflections
- The Weight of the Yoke: How does the “yoke” of Jesus differ from the “burdens” the world places on us?
- Small Mercies: In your own “dark days,” what were the small moments (like the dog’s recognition) that reminded you of God’s presence?
- Restoring Fortunes: Jeremiah speaks of God restoring fortunes and feeding the weak. How have you seen God “feed” your spirit when you felt at your weakest?
Prayer
Lord,
We thank You that You do not leave us to carry our burdens alone. For every person feeling weary, exhausted, or at the end of their rope, we ask for Your supernatural rest. Thank You for the “small mercies” that make us smile even in the hospital rooms of life. Help us to lean into Your strength and trust Your provision.
Amen.
