Thursday, May 23: “Rest in the Midst of Suffering”

Matthew 11: 28-30: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Here’s a simple heads-up, in case you didn’t know: Rest is not the same thing as inactivity. Instead, Jesus offers to the weary a yoke–a tool of work. But in context, His yoke is learning of Him; not just through book-study, but by the revelation that comes through relationship. And the rest He offers is not so much inactivity, but a respite. When you learn of His love and commitment for you, you believe and receive respite from the things troubling your heart, soul, and mind. That’s way better than a vacay!