Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, 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 11:28-29

When I am extremely tired, frustrated, or hurt, I recall these words of Jesus and I wrap myself in them for comfort and peace. When I was a child and my mother would see me sad, tired, or afraid, she would say “come here, Debra,” and I would go and climb into the warmth and safety of her waiting arms. My mother would listen to my sorrows and try to take the pain away.

Jesus invites us into his waiting arms and offers us peace, forgiveness, and love beyond our understanding. Life can make us weary. Our days are filled with sin, suffering, and sorrows. But Jesus promises us that if we come to him he will lift our spirits, lighten our burdens, and bring us peace.

Faith gives us the confidence to hear God saying “come here”. Prayer gives us the means to offer our sins, sorrows, and fears to God. Opening our Bibles and reading the words of Jesus helps us to understand his heart and trust that the yoke he places upon us will guide us through our lives and not bear us down. We need to trust the “gentle and humble” heart of Jesus in our day to day living, lay our burdens at his feet and allow Him to give us rest. Jesus longs for us to follow his teachings, trust his heart, and have our own hearts transformed. When we take on the “yoke” Jesus offers us we enter into a sacred relationship where we find ourselves lifted from our weariness and resting in the warmth and safety of God’s grace.

Jesus, may we hear you calling us to you. May we leave our burdens at your feet and take up the yoke you offer us. May we trust in your “gentle and humble” heart, and may our souls find rest in your loving, waiting arms. Amen.