The Weekly Word - A Devotion for the Week of August 21
Take refuge in Jesus and find solace in the fact that He welcomes us with open arms.
We live in a world that is constantly moving all around us. We have jobs, kids, schoolwork, families, yard work, the latest TV show we “have to” watch—the list could go on and on. Our lives are busy, and getting caught up in the whirlwind is easy.
In Matthew 11, Jesus is asking us to trust and obey Him. We are promised rest if we surrender ourselves to the one who saves. Not only are our lives busy, but our minds can hinder us from receiving the rest we are guaranteed. Thoughts of anger, anxiety, fear, and worry plague our everyday lives and prevent us from trusting that the Lord will provide for us.
In verse 28, Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden.” That is a warm welcome for anyone who faces hard times or the stressors of day-to-day life. It doesn’t matter how big or small your trials are, He wants us to give it all to Him.
In verse 29, Jesus says, “For I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jesus is both the lion and the lamb; those are two very different animals. He is our protector and our place of refuge. We don’t have to depend on ourselves—because we have a God who loves us and wants us to turn to Him when we feel lost and in need of rest.
The Lord delights in loving and caring for us, no matter what we’re going through. Put your faith in Him and He will give you rest.