Have you moved lately? We did a year ago and went from a large house to one less than half the size. Just cleaning out the house can overwhelm you. When friends show up to help it gives you rest from your burdens. Jesus does the same when life’s worries overwhelm you. He can give you rest from your burdens too.
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Shoulder the Load
This passage teaches us how to unload those burdens on Jesus. Jesus uses the image of a yoke, which is the wooden harness attached to oxen when they plowed the field. A farmer would team a seasoned Ox with an inexperienced one of the same size to teach him how to pull. The experienced Ox would be able to shoulder most of the load until the young ox caught up.
We often carry unnecessary burdens in life. We weren’t meant to shoulder worries that Christ wants to carry for us. He calls us to cast them upon him because his burden is light. He can take all of our troubles and still be able to pull the load. Don’t be weighed down by life’s worries give them to Jesus.
Times of Refreshment
Not only does Jesus take our burdens he also refreshes us. Whether it be from work or the worries of life, we need a time where we can be restored in the Spirit. We may not have time to go off to a mountain retreat but we can find the rest we need in the Lord. Start with casting all of your cares upon Him. Just unload every problem you have and everything you worry about on him. Then let the water of the Word of God refresh you. You find over time that the Spirit will do a work in your heart.