In the midst of a fast-paced world filled with decisions, difficulties, and distractions, we can discover the relief and refreshing the Lord intended for us. There are things clamoring for our attention every moment of every day which can create a desperate need for quiet in our souls: our mind, will, and emotions.
Sometimes life can become so hectic that we wonder if there is even quiet available. But don’t lose hope, Jesus has good news! Notice what He said in Matthew 11:28-29:
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls” (AMP).
Contrary to popular belief, rest and refreshing does not come only after a two or three week vacation! Some people work week-in and week-out looking forward each year to receiving rest from a two week vacation. Many times the vacation we have long awaited for becomes as fast-paced and busy as our every day schedule. Some vacations are so full of activity we look forward to returning to work just to get some rest. We’ve all had vacations like that, right? Rest and refreshing don’t always come from a two week vacation.
In order to receive the rest and refreshing we need, we must look to the solution Jesus gave for our weariness in Matthew 11:28-29. Rest and refreshing come from our time of fellowship with the Lord—when we’re in His presence.
We won’t receive the blessed quiet promised to us if we use all our energy struggling to “figure out” how to make our lives work. Trying to figure things out mentally can be exhausting and stressful.
As Christians, we, more than anyone else, should know the meaning and purpose for our lives. Regretfully, far too many believers struggle to know the purpose God has for their lives. And if they remain in a condition without purpose, they risk taking on the same meaningless life as that of an unbeliever.
If we are struggling in life, we need rest and relief for our souls! We need to stop laboring, and begin receiving the blessed quiet God has promised us as we spend time in His presence.
