Read Matthew 11:28-21.

Learning to Rest in Jesus

It had been three years since I’d vacationed when a pastor taught on the familiar words of Matthew 11. My physical, moral, and spiritual strength were on the verge of collapse, and, as he preached, my whole being cried, “That’s me!”

In that moment, Jesus was calling me to stop and rest. When I did this, I didn’t immediately receive peace. I had to yoke to Him first in order to move forward with renewed energy.

The Peace of Finding Rest

This lesson made me realize why I felt so beaten down—I was getting ahead of my Lord. Instead of pleasing Him, I was trying to please people, and it had left me completely exhausted. We’re designed to rest under the light burden of Jesus. When we’re yoked and working in unison with Him, we then find peace.

Lord, forgive us when we try to run on our own. Remind us that Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light. Amen.

-from a national partner in Russia