As of right now, at this stage of my life, there isn’t a whole lot that is easy and effortless.
Parenting is hard work.
Marriage is hard work.
Physical activity is hard work.
Eating healthy is hard work.
Maintaining friendships is hard work.
Church is hard work.
Loving my neighbors is hard work.
Being gracious with myself is hard work.
You get the idea.
While spending time in my own devotions last week, I was drawn to Matthew 11:28-30, which talks about the rest of God.
Suddenly it felt as though someone lit a fire and placed a warm blanket over my shoulders as these words floated through my mind: “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Just reading the word “easy” was perfectly timed. It felt like a breath of fresh air. I mean, is easy even possible when I feel like I’m drowning on most days? Can something in life really truly be easy? God, are you saying what I think you’re saying?
Isn’t this God’s style – to meet us exactly where we’re at?
He knows what we need.
He knows how hard we’re working.
He knows that we’re doing our best.
And He shows up with comfort to remind us that He’s carrying our load and bearing our burdens if we turn to Him.
Sure, the rest of our lives might be filled with challenges and difficulties, but our faith in Christ is the one place we can find ease and rest if we choose to trust Him.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
