"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
Each day brings its own unique set of challenges. Some may be addressed with minimal effort, while others require attention that extends beyond the day to the next day, the next week, the next month, and even the next year. Repeated efforts towards an ongoing issue gradually wear us down emotionally and physically. If we are attempting to go it alone without the aid of God’s Holy Spirit, the deterioration transcends into our spirits. It was never God’s plan for us to do life on our own, but rather in relationship with Him.
Matthew 11:28 opens with an invitation: “Come to me.” Jesus extends the invitation to a different scenario for facilitating one’s way through life. While the majority conforms to being the master of one’s destiny and engaging in multiple forms of self-help. Jesus summons believers to a life of co-dependence on God. He is the master of our lives, and we forever exist in submission to His plans and purpose.
Notice, the invitation is given to a selected group of persons, “all who labor and are heavy laden”. Those who are burdened emotionally and spiritually by the trials of life. Those who are enslaved to one problem or multiple worries each day bring. Moreover, due to improper responses, stress is taking a toll on our bodies in the form of insomnia, headaches, indigestion, and backaches, to name only a few.
Nevertheless, the end of the verse offers hope by promising, “I will give you rest.” When we abandon our ways and choose God’s way, we position ourselves to receive divine rest. A rest that comes from letting go of what weighs us down and allowing God to bear the weight of our challenges. A rest that continues as we decisively choose again and again to come into God’s presence. A rest that empowers us to refuse to worry but be found trusting God.
“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
I Peter 5:7
“We can only experience true rest that comes from God when we fling all our cares at His feet and remain in God’s presence”_ASA
Chronicles of ASA 