"28 Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and my burden is light."
(Message) "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Matthew 11:28-30
Questions for Reflection:
Perhaps take some time and contemplate or write down your burdens…. physical – mental – abstract – tell them out loud to Jesus. Hear yourself talk to Him. Take your time – like talking to a friend!
Then, imagine yourself as an ox or mule in a double yoke, but you are trying to handle the burden by yourself - going in circles. Can you picture yourself asking Jesus to help carry the burden? Let Him put on the yoke with you…. Can you feel the burden become lighter? OR imagine carrying a load of water on your shoulders, with an ill-fitting yoke. Allow Jesus, the master carpenter, to make a special yoke fitted perfectly for you. Now the load is easy to carry. There is still work to do, but with Jesus by your side, it becomes easier.
Finally, contemplate the 2nd half of summer ahead. How will you intentionally “Come to Me” for restoration? Can you make a plan of how you will run to Him?
Prayer of the Week:
Almighty God and Father, as we celebrate this week of the 4th of July we recognize that You have given us this good land as our heritage. Grant that we remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will.
Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life.
Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action. Grant that we, who came from many nations with many different languages, may become a united people. Support us in defending our liberties, and give those to whom we have entrusted the authority of government the spirit of wisdom, that there may be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, may our hearts be thankful, and in troubled times do not let our trust in You fail.
Lord, keep this nation under Your care.
Bless the leaders of our land that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to the other nations of the earth.
Grant that we may choose trustworthy leaders, contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare, and serve You faithfully in our generation.
As we move into the second half of the summer lead us as individuals, families and a church to hear and respond to Your gracious call on our souls, “Come to Me … and I will give you rest”. Help us respond to that gracious call with this simple request from our hearts, “Restore my soul, Jesus, Restore my soul.”
Amen
