Are You Exhausted?

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
 
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.” 
 

Reflection
 
All United States law students are expected to read a famous Supreme Court case from the late 1800’s, a New York case dealing with labor law. In this case, the Supreme Court distinguished specific labor as it related to those who earn income by working with their hands, and those who, like ministers for example, “toil with the brain.” (Church of the Holy Trinity v. United States, 143 U.S. 457 (1892))

Whether you are someone who does physical labor, or whether you sit behind a desk to “bring home the bacon,” all humans experience exhaustion at some point. Have you ever come home and just felt “brain tired”? I think this feeling is due, in part, to the busy nature of our culture and the information overload that we experience daily. Whether you are physically burnt out or mentally zapped, Jesus gave us the remedy: “Come to me.”

In today’s scripture, we are examining Jesus’ words to His disciples and followers. Jesus instructed them to take His yoke and learn from Him, and in return, they would find rest for their souls. At first, this seems like a bit of a contradiction. Following Christ isn’t always easy. However, I think what Jesus was signaling to us here is that He is the ultimate source of peace and rest, and when we come to Him in our exhaustion, He will always be there to receive us and refresh us.

Whenever we come to God in prayer, in devotions, or even in an internal “brain discussion,” we can be renewed – even if our bodies and our minds are still drained. I once had a pastor who suggested that we create a place in our minds (such as a garden or comfortable room), try to visualize Jesus standing there, and talk with Him as you would talk to a friend or parent. I began practicing this several years ago, and I have come to love my meetings with God in my “secret” place.

Perhaps this is also what David experienced when he penned the words, “You are my hiding place and my shield” (Psalm 119:114, ESV), and “You are my hiding place…and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7, NIV). Are you exhausted? Go to the Prince of Peace and allow Him to give your soul rest.


Action Steps
 

1. Take a few minutes today and consider an area where your body, soul, or mind is tapped out. Ask God to give you renewal and rest in that area.
2. What is one practical way that you can create a sacred hideaway to rest in God’s presence? Perhaps this is taking time to talk with God in that space before you fall asleep.
3.  When was the last time you practiced a “Sabbath” or restful Sunday? Try scheduling a date and plan for a Sabbath Sunday so all you do on that day is worship and rest (that includes a nap!).

 

Prayer
 
Lord, my patient Father, I thank You for being the God of peace and rest. It is difficult sometimes to protect the time and space I have for connecting with You and resting in You. Please help me to focus on my relationship with You, and help me to put less of an emphasis on the busy lifestyle that tends to overwhelm. Help me to come to You daily for restoration and communion. Amen.