Can you rest? This is a serious question. From a woman’s perspective, I feel that it is harder for women to take time off compared to men. I’m sure I’m not alone in this, but even when I don’t have a to-do list for the day, I still feel guilty if I don’t do something.
productive. Let me tell you, I’m not one of those people who systematically deep cleans my closet or room to feel productive. But I’m good at finding small tasks to do to feel like I’m not wasting my day…
Wasting your day… Is rest really a waste? “It is no use rising early and staying up late, struggling to find something to eat – for God gives sleep to those he loves.” Psalm 127:2 The Lord gives us rest as a gift, not just when we are tired.
The Bible mentions rest several times. In fact, God set an example by resting on the seventh day after six days of creation. “Remember the Sabbath day as holy: six days you shall work and do all your work; but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God…” Exodus 20:8-10. It is interesting that the Lord commands rest. That seems to contradict many Bible verses that encourage us to serve with all our heart. But God understands that we need rest as a source of recharging so that we can serve Him wholeheartedly.
Not only that, but Jesus models how to rest from our burdens. After all, carrying a heavy load can leave you exhausted, as if you’ve just finished a hard day’s work. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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.” Matthew 11:28-30
Let’s look at four ways to enter into God’s rest when you feel burdened. Use the Matthew 11 scripture above as your teacher.
teamwork
Our poem is often quoted and probably well known to us, but yesterday it struck me in a completely new light…
There is a living history farm near our house. Years ago they had a huge team of cattle. I remember standing next to these gentle giants and wondering if the yoke they wore felt heavy and bothersome on their necks. Earlier, when contemplating our poem, I remembered this scene on the farm and wondered how this heavy, metaphorical piece of wood could give me rest.
When we studied the actual function of the yoke, we found that one of its primary purposes was to join two animals together and force them to move or pull at the same time, preventing one from falling behind or pulling too far.
I was now beginning to look at our scriptures in a different light…When we bring our burdens to Jesus, He becomes part of our team. Because Jesus not only shares the weight of what previously burdened us, He also carries those burdens for us. We are now tied to God by a figurative yoke. No matter the circumstances in which we feel burdened, when we are slow or too fast, God makes our burdens feel lighter. Because He is right next to us, setting the pace and showing us the proper way to overcome fatigue.
The next time you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or burdened by circumstances, imagine the Lord weighing His yoke beside you. Let this image bring you rest as you remember what Jesus did when you were busy and had a lot to do… “Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and slipped away to a secluded place to pray. Simon and his companions went looking for Jesus, and when they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you!”…Matthew 1:35-37. Jesus was not ignoring his circumstances; he was “resting” before God in preparation. Can we do the same?
power distribution
When you learn more about a yoke, you’ll find that while it may seem heavy and burdensome, it is actually designed to rest on the cow’s wide neck, transferring its immense weight to the cow’s shoulders and chest, allowing it to move heavy objects.
Now we have a metaphor! When we carry our burdens to the Lord and take on His yoke, we do not become more burdened, but rather our burdens become lighter. We cast our burdens on Jesus. This is because Jesus helps us carry burdens that we would not have been able to carry alone. As you do this, situations that seem insurmountable will begin to feel like situations that can be overcome with Jesus as your yoke. Even in such a situation, our bodies and minds begin to rest, knowing that Jesus is sharing our strength with us.
Let us always remember that Jesus shares our burdens. We should not do things in our own strength, but in the power and power of God. Through the distribution of that power, we will find peace for our souls.
Connection to load
The yoke of oxen may be primitive, but it is a highly advanced piece of engineering. Apparently, the yoke has a central ring or attachment point that connects it to a plow, cart, or sled, harnessing the power of oxen.
Jesus is our point of connection. When we bring our worries and concerns to Him, we humble ourselves before Him and acknowledge that our situation is too great and that we need His wisdom and strength to get through it. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, and in due time he will lift you up. Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7
How amazing that we have a God who cares so much about us that He wants to take our burdens upon Him. That is not to say that God will make them disappear. Sometimes we face difficult situations that we have to go through. But when we come to the Lord with those burdens in true connection, we will find strength even in those burdens. By relying on God’s supernatural power, we can enter into His rest.
guidance
The most interesting thing about the yoke metaphor is the fact that the farmer is leading the oxen. They work together and share power to complete tasks, but they must take the lead in their work.
While Jesus was on earth, he set an example of submitting to God and seeking His guidance. “For I came down from heaven to do not my will, but the will of him that sent me.” John 6:38
When we come to Jesus with our burdens, He not only carries them with us, but He is also our mediator to the Father. Jesus will intercede for you in all matters that burden you. Through His intercession, the Father will guide you how to move forward in such heavy situations, and Jesus will give you rest as you do so.
When we bring our burdens to Jesus, we not only receive the strength of Jesus, but also the guidance of the Father, who gives us new perspective and comfort in the midst of hardship.
Finally, there is something very comforting about our poems. This is especially true when I imagine yoked oxen moving in unison, quietly but surely. Apply these gentle but firm words to Jesus, who was yoked next to us. When we imitate the movement, energy, peace, and stillness of Jesus, we enter into the most beautiful rest, even in the midst of the burdens we carry.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for granting the gift of rest not only to our tasks but also to our burdens. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Is it difficult for you to cast your burdens on the Lord? why?
How will you enter God’s rest this week?
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Anastasiia Krivenok
Karen Dell Tattoo is a blogger, author, women’s ministry leader, pastor’s wife, mother, and grandmother who is passionate about God’s Word. Her blog, “Growing Together in Grace and Knowledge,” and her books, “Choosing to Trust God: Breaking the Habit of Worry,” “A 30-Day Devotional,” and “Choosing to Trust God Companion Journal,” reveal her heart offering biblical insights to inspire women to grow in, through, and overcome hardship. Karen and her husband live in Rhode Island and enjoy walking in the woods, petting owls, and spending time with their grandchildren.
