Rest Begins Here
Well, howdy there and welcome! Come on outta that hot sunlight and step up here on this ol’ front porch, friend! Now, ease into that ol’ rocker right there beside the lil’ potted Ficus tree, so we can have a little look-see as we git to watchin’ that lil’ ol’ pair of squirrels over there by the water faucet while they’re arguin’ over who gets the last of the leftover sunflower seed outta that pan sittin’ in the grass. It’s so funny, it’s familiar, and it’s exactly how most of us look when life piles on more than we can carry.
Matthew 11:28 tells us, “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’” And Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you. He will never let the righteous be shaken.” Friend, that there’s God’s way of sayin’, “Bring it here. I can hold what you can’t.”
Now, let’s brush off them bothersome crickets that hopped up here thinkin’ they was somehow invited to hold choir practice, and let’s get right to the heart of our chat. Life hands out burdens like a mischievous lil’ ol’ raccoon handin’ out stolen snacks. Relationships git downright tangled up. Finances git real tight. Worries about tomorrow sneak in like a sly ol’ fox slippin’ through a fence gap lookin’ for a lil’ wayward chicken. And guilt over yesterday can cling to you like a sticker burr stuck to a hound dog’s tail.
Jesus sho’-nuff’ knew pressure. He plum knew fatigue. He clearly knew what it felt like when crowds pressed in and critics circled like a bunch of crows circlin’ around a cornfield. Yet Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, “He did not sin. He carried the weight without fallin’ under it.”
Isaiah 40:29 says, “He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak.” Friend, that there means Jesus don’t just understand your exhaustion. He downright steps right on into it. He plum offers strength where yours runs out and rest where your soul feels worn thin.
That’s why His invitation matters. Jesus doesn’t say, “Figure it out.” He says, “Come to Me.” He doesn’t say, “Try harder.” He says, “I will give you rest.” And Psalm 55:22 slides right beside it remindin’ us by sayin’, “Cast your cares on Him. He will sustain you. He will not let you be shaken.” Friend, that there means your burdens ain’t meant to be permanent residents. They’re meant to be handed over to the One who can carry ‘em without strain.
So, come to Him today. Bring the worries that keep you up at night. Bring the fears that rattle your peace. Bring the burdens that feel heavier than an ol’ mule carryin’ a big load of wet hay. Jesus ain’t never intimidated by your load. He’s sho’-nuff’ ready to give you some rest.
Father, You know how weary I get and how heavy my burdens feel. You promised that if I come to You, You will give me rest. I come to You now with everything I carry. Please give rest to my soul. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Well now, hush my mouth, friend! Git yourself on out there like a lil’ ol’ raccoon that found a big ol’ treasure chest plum full of leftovers. His rest is a joyful feast for the weary soul, so dig in and enjoy every bit of it all. Let His rest settle over you like a soft breeze movin’ through a real peaceful meadow. Let His promise steady you like a strong oak that refuses to even be swayin’ in a storm. And remember, the Savior who invites you to come is already right there beside you through every moment, and He’s plum ready to be liftin’ whatever you can’t carry on your own.
With joy,
Gwen
