I will give you rest

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

From Dave

As I’ve chatted to people over the last few days it seems that a number of us are weary. Some of that weariness is physical, with the stress of the different rhythms and the challenges of lockdown impacting on our ability to sleep.

For others of us, the weariness is a mental struggle, especially with the extended period of lockdown. We may need fresh motivation, a refreshed daily structure, some good news to grab hold of, to help us to avoid getting dragged down into spiritual and emotional lethargy.

In a particular conversation I realised that, despite all that Zoom, Skype and the like have equipped us to do, I’ve become a bit weary of those virtual gatherings.

And for those of us that are really struggling at the moment, for whatever the reason, the weariness may be a heavy burden.

In all of these circumstances, the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 are a great comfort and strength to us.

When Jesus said these words for the first time, it was to emphasise how turning away from our selfish and proud lives, and committing to him, would free us from the weariness and burden of looking for satisfaction in the wrong places; that turning to Jesus would bring us peace with God and put everything into perspective.

But these words of Jesus are not a “one off” – they speak into the heart of every believer every day. We’ve been reminded a few times recently that Jesus promises not to leave or forsake his followers. One aspect of this promise is that Jesus invites us to keep on coming to him as weariness and burdens build up – to be intentional in giving these to him, and claiming the peace and eternal perspective that Jesus has won for us through his death and resurrection.

If you are anything like me you’ll try to pick up the yokes of weariness and burden again. But Jesus tells us, in verse 29, that we must learn from him and be gentle and humble in heart. That means trusting Jesus, and once you’ve given things over to him, to leave them with him – and to let his Holy Spirit equip and guide you.

If you are weary or burdened today, come to Jesus and he will give you rest.

And if you know someone who is weary and burdened – share with them how Jesus can bring them rest too.