
Thoughts on a Rainy Monday
It is a rainy Monday, but that has basically nothing to do with this post. But I hope you enjoy the rainy-day picture as much as I do. 🙂
Last night, I read the first chapter in Jim Berg’s book God Is More Than Enough. Honestly, I think that just the title is what I needed to hear. So often I find myself drifting into a place spiritually where I am no longer looking to God to satisfy me. I pursue other things (which are, essentially, idols of my heart), but they just don’t satisfy. Rather, they leave me craving for more.
The first chapter of the book highlighted Matthew 11:28-30. As familiar as I am with this passage, I’m amazed at how elusive its simple instruction is for me. Jesus is speaking, and He says,
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Who doesn’t want their soul to be at rest? Who doesn’t want to lay their many cares and burdens down?
If what I do is a reflection of what I want – and I would contend that it is – then apparently I don’t actually want this rest. If I did, then I would pursue the path of rest as it is described in these verses. If I did, I would take my burdens and surrender them to God. If I did, I would take the yoke of Christ, a yoke that is reflective of His own humility, and learn from my Savior.
If I did . . . but I don’t.
Realistically, though, who doesn’t want rest from their burdens? Who doesn’t want to let go of their exhaustive efforts and accept this gentle yoke of Christ? Why, then, don’t Christians live in a constant state of rest? Why don’t I?
I think that one key in this passage is submission. I don’t want the rest that God gives because I don’t want to submit to His yoke and His burden. I don’t want God’s rest because I love my own work more than I love what God has done for me.
That sounds crazy, but I make many decisions every day to pursue the idols of my heart and to neglect God.
I’m so thankful, however, that in spite of myself, God has not neglected me! He still bids me come to Him. He still offers His gentle yoke. He still promises rest.
Maybe you are full of anxious thoughts on this Monday, whether it is raining where you are or not. Maybe the burdens you are facing seem insurmountable. Don’t seek to make everything work by yourself. Don’t cling to your burdens. Don’t love your fruitless labor so much that you would reject God’s loving invitation.
Go to Jesus, and He will give you rest.
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