When we moved back to the Northwest after serving six years as missionaries in Uganda, I was amazed at how busy and lonely everyone was. We had gone back in time, living in a developing country where community was necessary for life to continue. Every person I passed on the path in the jungle would stop and we would talk for at least five minutes. It would be extremely rude to do anything different. When we came back home, I was amazed at how busy everyone was. They were busy spinning many plates in the air, and constantly stressing over plates crashing down around them. Over time as they would take time to share their lives with me, I found out they were also very lonely.
Matthew 11:28-30 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
When we try to accomplish things in our own strength, in our own timing, and in our own way, we are really telling God, I got this, I don’t need you in my everyday life. Then we burn out and blame God for not rescuing us. How different would our lives be if we started with a prayer that asked God for direction for His will in our lives, and then we adjusted our plans to connect with His will for us. We need to do less and pray, listen, and respond more. Matthew 11:28-30 tells us how to find rest for our souls. Rest at a soul level is serious rest.
Psalm 127:2 “It is senseless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, fearing you will starve to death; for God wants his loved ones to get their proper rest”.
What’s more important to you, finishing your to-do list or growing spiritually in your walk with Christ Jesus? Why? In what areas in your life do you need to do less, and pray and adjust more?
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through these scriptures?
