God nudged me this morning when I read this Scripture and even gave me a glimpse in my mind of the photograph He wanted me to use. And He wanted me to share it that we may all remember: God is always in control. No matter who is in the White House, God Almighty is on His throne.
So let us all go to Him today and praise Him. He is truly the One who rules the world. And if we remember Him and seek His will, He can make us strong and bring us peace.
Unite us in your name, Lord. Amen.
I was talking to God about you last night. I asked Him what He wanted to tell you, what you needed to hear. We were about to watch a movie and during the previews a Scripture came to my mind, and I knew it was for you.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Maybe you’re overwhelmed, stressed-out, burned-out, or just plain worn-out right now, and you’re wondering how long is this going to last? Do you feel like you’re in a storm, a chaotic rush of things needing done or people demanding more of you, and you feel you have nothing more to give? Do you feel like it’s knocking the wind right out of you and you can’t breathe?
Jesus knows. He sees you right now. Imagine Him offering you His hand with this sort of expression that says, “Come here and catch your breath for a minute. Rest with me.”
Maybe you’re wondering, “How can I rest? I have too much to do.”
Let’s keep going with what Jesus said:
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Okay, what in the world? A yoke?
A few years ago we went to an Amish farm and saw this massive, black ox yoked to a smaller one. I had never seen an ox up close before nor had I ever seen one yoked to another. When I started to pet the big guy, he turned so I could scratch his face in another area that must have itched (or maybe he wanted to get a better look at the woman who was “oohing” and “ahhing” about how beautiful he was). Whatever the reason, when he turned, the little guy beside him did too. Whenever the big guy stuck his mouth into the food trough, the little one had to follow along.
So I have to ask, who or what are you yoked to that is wearing you out? What are you following? The world? Let’s narrow it down a bit…are you yoked to people instead of Jesus? People may try to go easy on you but sometimes they’ll hurt you or overwhelm you. Some may even load up the guilt if you don’t perform to their standards or do what they think you should be doing. Not Jesus. He’s “gentle and humble in heart.” He’s not going to burn you out. Why would He? He loves you, and He doesn’t want to see you suffering with anxiety or panic attacks. He has more for you.
But isn’t a yoke a form of bondage?
Jesus said, “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
What? Something that’s easy and light? That doesn’t sound like bondage but freedom. If you yoke yourself to Jesus you’ll not only be able to breathe and the heaviness you’ve been carrying will be lifted off your shoulders, but you’ll be doing what you were created to do. No more overload. No more panic attacks. Just like the eye of a storm, there will be peace like you’ve never imagined. It’s as if God will hold back the world from burning you out like He held back the Red Sea. No more guilt (unless you allow it), no more hives (unless you eat something you’re allergic to), and no more wondering what in the world you’re supposed to do with your life. Jesus has it all. All the answers and all the calm. Yoke yourself to Him, and you’ll see and do things you never dreamed.
How do I know? Because this wasn’t just for you…it was for me too. And I’ve finally come to the eye of the storm.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV.)
Training for Eternity 