Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. — Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV
We live in uncertain times. With the recent coronavirus pandemic, the war in Ukraine, wildfires ravaging parts of Europe and North America, and coups in northern Africa to mention a few. These issues are enough to cause anxiety to those that are directly or indirectly affected.
Many are burdened and labouring under the yoke of life’s challenges that they sometimes wonder if life is really worth living.
Jesus’ invitation and appeal to come to Him and find rest is universal. The invitation is to both believers and non-believers, to all who labour under the weight of sin and life’s burden and challenges. The invitation is also to believers who attempt the impossible task of trying to earn God’s favour through their obedience or adherence to the works of the law. “… a man is not justified by works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ…” Galatians 2:16 (NKJV)
We are burdened on every side by trials, temptations, and the ‘unhealthy’ expectations of others. We are yoked by weaknesses of the flesh, and we suffer times of sickness and adversity. We are sometimes burdened by circumstances that are outside of our control. For example, the rise in energy costs, rise in rent and mortgages, unpopular government policies etc.
The challenges of life if not handled properly, can make people become discouraged, disillusioned, depressed and hopeless.
But why do we Christians sometimes feel this discouragement, disillusionment, depression and hopelessness when we know what we know? We read and sing about God’s grace, love, mercy, promises, and we have the comfort and hope that scripture gives us. Yet we allow the pressures of life to push us to the point of despair.
“But, O my soul, don’t be discouraged. Don’t be upset. Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise him for all that he will do. He is my help! He is my God!” Psalms 42:11 (TLB)
“Fear not…When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.” Isaiah 43:1-2 (NKJV)
But I hear you say you’ve done all you could. You’ve prayed, fasted, cried but still, there’s no evidence of any breakthrough. You feel you’ve come to the end of the road with your heart heavy with life’s load.
Don’t give up now, help is on the way. Even though you don’t know how, God knows your name. You are the apple of His eye, see through the cloudy sky, your prayers are before Him, just keep believing.
Finding rest for our soul is all about believing and abiding in Jesus and His word, experiencing the full measure of His marvellous, wonderful grace.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 