Discovering the Best Way to Find Rest
Have you ever noticed that some ideas or concepts take a while to process? Several weeks ago, I read Matthew 11:28-30 as part of my morning devotional time. Matthew writes about Jesus calling all who are weary to come and find rest. Then, He encourages us to “Take my yoke upon you…”
I had been struggling emotionally, which led to mental and spiritual strife. As I read verse 28, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” I felt so loved, cherished, and seen. I accepted God’s truth and His gift of rest.
Contemplating Jesus’ Yoke
However, as days passed, I struggled with verses 29 and 30. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (CSB)
I did see the positive viewpoint in the verses. I understood Jesus was asking me to learn from Him, simply follow His example, and accept what He said as invaluable. In addition, Jesus didn’t demand others view Him as a Superstar. Afterall, He described Himself as “lowly and humble in heart.” Even though Christ is worthy of all glory, He isn’t a glory-hog who walks over everyone else just so He is noticed more.
I also grasped that Jesus offered me a better way to live. Yes, I would have boundaries, but they were for my ultimate freedom. No longer would I need to strive to measure up. Christ wanted to grant me fulfillment and delight.
A Struggle to Accept Truth
I continued to process the verses in Matthew eleven and I wondered why I labored to eagerly accept the truth given. As I pondered, I realized I didn’t see Jesus as just carrying my load. I also saw myself giving up all my rights. If I were yoked to Jesus, and since He is definitely stronger than me, I would have to go wherever He wanted to go.
I didn’t visualize myself as always wanting to go where Jesus wanted to go. Now, I am a very adaptable person. I have lived my life adapting to others on a consistent basis. God wired me to be adaptable. However, I know myself well. When I become tired of adapting, I become very stubborn.
Yoked as a Slave
So, I processed and pondered some more. I concluded I was jumping to the word slave. I read scripture regularly, and many writers describe our commitment to the Lord with the image of a slave. Peter tells us we are to submit as God’s slaves (1 Peter 2:16). Paul describes himself as Christ’s servant (Romans 1:1) and later states, since Jesus has set us free from sin, we are “enslaved to God” (Romans 6:22). Jesus Himself says, “whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave.” (Matthew 20:27)
In my mind I saw myself yoked with Jesus, but I also saw myself as a slave, not a co-laborer. I needed to accept I had a skewed perception of being a slave.
Slave View One
When I was in college, I worked in the cafeteria. One semester, I worked in the middle of the day. I spent my afternoons making cookies. All by myself. No radio, no headphones, no anything. Just me and a ginormous mixer.
I didn’t like the job. I preferred working during mealtime serving food, or checking IDs, or even filling the salad bar! As the cookie baker, I worked entirely alone. I mixed, scooped dough, and baked. Honestly? I felt bored and as if someone was punishing me. To keep myself going, I would sing to myself.
When I think of a slave, I think of my cookie baking days. I had a task to do, and the task was not enjoyable. I would work alone and just have to get the job done. The next day, I would start all over.
Slave View Two
While we lived in Ontario, Oregon, I worked for a season at Marshalls. Every year, the people at corporate headquarters required each store to conduct inventory. For a couple of years, our store was selected to do inventory every quarter. I didn’t know a single employee who was fond of inventory.
Everyone had to be at the store around 4am so that inventory could be completed before the store opened. The managers directed us to work without talking; they instructed us to just do the job of inventory. Yet we all enjoyed the camaraderie; we still laughed and chatted a little bit as we worked. Every time I completed inventory, I went to my car very tired, but successful. I saw myself as part of a team and we got the job done.
The Complete Truth
I think Jesus wants me to think of being His slave more like completing inventory. Yes, I have a task to do with specific stipulations. However, I am part of something bigger, and we all work to accomplish the task together. I may do part of my responsibilities alone, but there is help nearby if needed. I may find myself exhausted; and I will also feel fulfilled.
Sometimes, we know truth, but we view it through an incorrect filter. Or we acknowledge truth A, without also acknowledging truth B. Yes, God calls us to be servants. AND God also says we are His friends (John 15:15). He loves us with steadfast love (Psalm 86:15). He delights in us and sings over us (Zephaniah 3:17). Plus, we are His heirs (Romans 8:16-17).
Trusting Who God Is
Are you weary? Are you burdened? Allow me the privilege to encourage you. God says to come to Him and He will give you rest. Jesus invites us to be yoked to Him. We never have to journey alone. We always get to be part of something bigger than just us and what we do. God isn’t out to make us do things just so He can get glory and praise. He’s worthy of glory and praise no matter what we do.
Jesus isn’t dragging us along to do whatever He wants. No, He is gently teaching us what it means to offer ourselves to God and His mission of establishing His Kingdom. He will help us carry the weight of life. In addition, Jesus enables and empowers us so that we know we are accepted, wanted, and useful. We can rest in His more than capable presence and discover a life of peace and fulfillment.
Rest in a Hammock Photo by Florian Siedl on Unsplash
