A Place to Go when we’re Weary

If, you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me…This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30, CSB)

Have you noticed some very important points about Jesus’ generous invitation to the weary? 1) He does not target a certain group, so that means anyone can come, and 2) He does not specify what kind of weariness. So that means anyone experiencing any kind of weariness is welcome to take him up on his invitation. That would include those experiencing physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, financial, relational, soul, any kind of weariness, are welcome. At some point in life every one of us: young, old, male, female, all colors, nations, and ethnicities, religious, nonreligious, Christian, unchristian, is going to experience some kind of weariness in life, and when we do, we have a place to go. Jesus says we can come to him. Next, Jesus offers to trade. Some people love to barter and so they would love this! Jesus says, let’s trade: you give me your yoke of weariness and I’ll give you my lighter, more bearable yoke of ease, peace, liberty, contentment. Whatever is needed in your circumstances and situation. I’ll trade you.

I don’t know of a better, more appealing, transparent, and integral invitation than this. I personally know what it’s like to be exhausted from struggling and carrying heavy burdens at times and have taken Jesus up on his invitation more times than I can count, and I’ll vouch for its genuineness and effectiveness. He does exactly what he promises to do for us. Let’s Pray

Jesus, thank you for this generous offer. Why would we continue bearing the burden of weariness when all we have to do is come to you, give you whatever is causing our weariness and in return receive the gift of a lighter yoke? Amen    

Reflective Questions for Soul-Tending:

Have you experienced weariness of any kind? How did you address it? Did you know to take it to Jesus and let him trade your weariness for his lighter yoke?

How will you incorporate today’s message into your plan of soul-care?