Only God Can De-stress My Soul

In review of Matthew 11:28 it says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”

Bottom Line:

If you find yourself tired from carrying heavy burdens, go to Jesus, he promises to give you rest.

What this means to me:

I should come to Jesus and give him all of my burdens (heavy or not). He promises to give me rest and make the load lighter.

Today's verse is from Matthew chapter 11. Jesus said to them, "come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."

When we get stressed out, exhausted or overloaded, we typically unwind by sitting on the couch or escape by going to a movie or out to dinner. We may even turn to hobbies or sports.

While there is nothing wrong with any of those things, none of them will provide the relief that is really needed. I could take all the naps in the world, but it’s not going to de-stress my soul. It may rest my body, but it won’t rest my spirit. There’s only one thing that can rest my soul: God. As only he can give me that inner peace that de-stresses.

Today’s verse reminds me of this. It it says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 RSV).

Jesus is not saying, “Come to church” or do some other form of religious activity. He doesn’t say to come to Bible study or small group. When overloaded, there’s only one person who understands real soul rest. It’s God. What I really need more than anything else when I’m overloaded is more time alone with God.

Matthew 6:6 from the message translation says, “Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace” (MSG).

Why is it, I turn to everything else before turning toward him?  I think a lot of times it’s because I think I can handle it on my own, and at other times I just don’t realize that God is waiting for me to call on him. However, over and over in the Bible God tells me, “Cry out to me. Call out to me. Talk to me. Cast your burdens on me.”

When I feel myself running on empty, the first thing I need to do is call out to God for help. So instead of turning to a substance, a program, or a plan. “Come to Christ”, as he promises to give me rest.