LIFE HAPPENS… and there is no denying that at times life can feel heavy and hard to bear. Yet, Jesus said, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). Can you relate to feeling weary or burdened? I certainly have felt that way recently. Jesus promises more than physical rest from the weariness of hard work or difficult times. It is a rest for the soul that lifts the burdens of life.

It almost sounds too good to be true.

But Jesus said it, so it must be true. He bids us come to Him, not just on weekends, but also in all of life. “Come to me”, He entreats. Why? Because in Him we find rest. How? By remembering what is true. When I remember that Jesus loves me I know it is safe to submit to Him. Coming is a posture of worship in which my life is at rest in His presence. Peace characterizes my coming because I know I am submitted to His yoke which has been specially crafted with love to fit me just right.

There’s an old story about a man who happened upon a small boy carrying another small boy who was lame on his back. “That’s a heavy burden for you to carry”, said the man.

“That’s no’ a burden”, the boy answered. “That’s my wee brother.”

The burdens of life are no longer burdens when carried by love. Coming to Jesus is where I find true rest for my soul under the yoke of His love. It’s the rest that energizes me for the rest of life. Rest is good for my soul, and also for the souls of others.

If I am anxious about everything in life, my children and grandchildren will miss out on having elders in their life who model resting in Christ. Do they see you seeking the Lord and resting in Him in the different challenges of life, or do they see you worrying and fretting over everything? The next time a difficult situation comes up with your grandchildren, suggest that together you come to Jesus and let Him show you how to deal with it. Let Him carry it for you. It’s no’ a burden for Him.

GRANDPAUSE: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Jer. 6:16