When feeling overwhelmed, heavy, burdened, and/or in need of rest.
During my devotion time last Tuesday morning, the Lord led me to Matthew 11:28; maybe because I was tired, achy, and on the brink of a chronic pain flare-up or because I was coming down off a stretch of busyness. Whatever the case may be, I believe He ultimately wanted to remind me of His constant reliability and promises and to share this reminder with you too.
With all of life’s requirements, it is easy to get bogged down by the lists, self-imposed deadlines, overthinking, fears, emotions, anxiety, and countless other things. All of which can lead to a hefty load to bear and a state of overwhelmingness.
I operate in “go” mode at times. By this, I jump right into the routine of daily norms, consumed by checking things off, family requirements, work, ministry, and school, all while living life with chronic pain. I bet many of you can be overcome by “go” mode as well.
But, there is nothing like experiencing God’s glory and grace when life starts piling up. We can find assurance of that through the scripture. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” I believe the Lord is saying: I’m here for you, daughter. When your load is heavy, when you don’t know where to turn, when you are pained and burdened, come to Me, and I will lighten your load.
I find when I pray and petition God's help and instructions in my overwhelmingness, not only do I receive a sense of peace and ease, but rest as well. Sometimes, it miraculously begins to feel like I have 25/8. Now, I know there are only 24hrs in a day and 7 days in a week, but when I get out of my head with “my” doings, thoughts, timelines, etc. and give it over to God, He gives me not only rest but also His grace.
God rested too. Genesis 2:2 tells us that God rested from all of His work on the sabbath day (Exodus 20:8-10). When one thinks of rest, the might directly correlate it with the physical. However, the term rest applies to the mind, body, and spirit.
The Lord has extended an open invitation to carry our burdens and give us rest!
Life's happenings and the to-dos are inevitable; thus, I encourage you to accept His invitation the next time you feel weary and burdened. Then release the heavy load, trusting in God to bring you peace, contentment, and rest.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for Your presence and that You give us rest. Thank you for your daughter reading this post. I pray an abundance of blessings and favor over her life. Lord, I pray she accepts your invitation and comes to You when she is overwhelmed and burdened by life. And I pray You will meet her with unthinkable rest as only You can. I pray peace and contentment over her life, a peace that surpasses all understanding. You get all the glory, the praise, and the honor. In Jesus' name, Amen!
Be Blessed,
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