We live in a society that has us going from sunup to sundown on an endless treadmill of work, family obligations, relationship demands, financial struggles and the list goes on and on.  We end up stretched in too many directions and the result is that we are overwhelmed, stressed out and tired.

It's important to have a true “come to Jesus” meeting to evaluate our lives, prioritize our commitments and examine our priorities.  God wants us to find a work/life balance and make time to add adequate rest and quiet time in our schedules.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Another word for “heavy laden” is “weary” which literally means those who are exhausted from their hard labor – those who collapse into bed at night. We can be physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually tired! It all requires rest!

The yoke was a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plow or cart that they are to pull. A big and mature ox would be united with a new and weaker ox to pull the plow or cart. We are to become yoked with Christ!

“Learn of me” is the same word from which we get our word “disciple”. The Lord is calling the weary and those suffering under a burden to become his disciples. Discipleship is the only real rest we will find for our souls. True REST requires you to surrender - your life, your path, your will, your dreams, your desires and your time – to Him!