I remember being deeply upset and stressed out because of mounting medical bills after we had our third daughter. I couldn’t sleep for several nights as I was trying to figure out how we’d pay the bills. My muscles were tense. I was exhausted. The stress was getting to me. And so I cried out to God.
Stress, worry, and anxiety are linked to many maladies—heart attacks, digestive problems, and depression, to name a few. Medical professionals tell us that to combat stress and worry, we need to get plenty of rest, eat right, and exercise. But Jesus tells us about something else that provides true peace and rest in a world where we experience “many trials and sorrows” (John 16:33). That “something else” is exactly what I chose to do when anxiety threatened to overwhelm me.
As I prayed, I was reminded of Matthew 11:28 where Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” It occurred to me that I hadn’t truly brought this distressing situation to Jesus. Trying to solve the problem for my family on my own, I simply couldn’t do it. Jesus invited me to come to Him in order to gain perspective and real rest.
In the next verse, He said, “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29). Our loving Savior doesn’t scold us for being unable to handle the pressures of life by ourselves. He doesn’t berate us. Instead, He’s humble and gentle of spirit.
If we’re truly going to find rest for our souls, we actually need to do what Jesus tells us to do—go to Him and give our burdens to Him (Psalm 55:22). Come to Him today!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Romans 8:1-18
More:
Read 1 Peter 5:7 and consider what you’ve been doing with your “worries and cares.”
Next:
What has caused you to experience anxious thoughts recently? How can you enter into the rest that Jesus alone can provide?
Gary Shultz on November 21, 2015 at 8:19 am
The test and mess of stress, of course everybody wants to know the rest of the story….. However, we find each story changes at the door when Jesus is allowed in. Each is handled in a personal way to fit every child and challenge, is that not great; custom comfort. Along with comfort, some building blocks, although gritty at times, as you know, peace will be found with Jesus. Thanks, enjoy a peaceful Thanksgiving.
Marlena Graves on November 27, 2015 at 8:03 pm
You are so right; custom comfort. What a beautiful way to put it. I think that is something I well dwell on. Thank you for the encouragement!
Mike Wittmer on November 21, 2015 at 12:25 pm
What a vivid perspective on the gospel, Marlena. Just come to Jesus! I love how God’s Word has specific help for whatever we are feeling. No matter our pain, we can find some prayer or word that gives voice to our need.
Marlena Graves on November 27, 2015 at 8:05 pm
Yes, knowing we need to come to Jesus and actually coming to Jesus are two different things. I am trying to dwell on these verses and also put them into practice.