Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30 ESV
Today, we’re focusing on the phrase “I will give you rest.” Here are some definitions of “rest” that I found: 1) a stopping of work or activity, 2) sleep, 3) absence of movement, 4) freedom from anxiety, 5) a place to stop and relax, 6) support, and 7) a pause in music.
Several of these definitions are related to physical rest. Our bodies need to have times of rest, so our physical strength is restored. This seems especially true when we have been through times of intense physical, emotional, or spiritual activity. We find an example of this in Mark 6. Jesus had sent out the disciples in pairs to preach and work healings (verses 7 – 13). After this,
The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. - Mark 6:30-31 ESV
Jesus knows that we need to take time for physical rest. He doesn’t expect us to always be going without a break. I think taking time to sleep when we need to is part of being a good steward. If we don’t take care of our bodies, we will not be able to continue serving as God calls us. Think of the disciples in the garden the night before Jesus died for us. They were so exhausted that they just couldn’t keep their eyes open (Mark 14:37-42). I don’t want to get so exhausted that I can’t stay awake when I need to.
Along with physical rest, we need mental and spiritual rest. We can all get weary and worn down by life. Even if everything is going well, we’re just so busy. We need to make time for the mental refreshment and spiritual strengthening that come from time with the Lord. For me, spiritual and physical rest are very much connected. When I am physically worn out, I have a more difficult time spiritually. Everything seems more pressing and stressful to me. But the opposite is true as well. When I am spiritually worn out, every physical struggle seems harder.
At times like that, I need some restoration. And that restoration is found in Jesus. Look at Psalm 23:
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. - Psalm 23:1-2 ESV
I like how it says, “He makes me lie down.” There are times when God lets me get so weak physically that all I can do is be still. I think He does this so that I will understand my need for Him. After He makes me stop striving and be still, another kind of rest, then He starts working on restoring my heart and spirit. That's one way I find rest in Jesus.
Think About: How will you make time to rest in Jesus this season?