Devotional

We all carry things. Some days it’s the weight of stress. Other days it’s the pressure to perform, the fear of the unknown, or the ache of disappointment. Whether it’s visible to others or buried deep in our thoughts, we live in a world that constantly tries to pile more onto our shoulders.

And then Jesus says, “Come to me.” Not try harder. Not figure it out. Just… come.

These verses in Matthew are more than comforting—they are an invitation. Jesus doesn’t promise a life free of hardship, but He does promise rest in the midst of it. Not a rest that comes from escaping your responsibilities, but a rest that comes from exchanging your heavy burdens for His perfect peace.

I remember a season in my life when rest felt completely out of reach. We had young children and barely enough money to get by. I worked two jobs—sometimes seven days a week—just to make ends meet. There were moments I felt like I was holding the world up on my shoulders. I was physically exhausted, emotionally stretched thin, and spiritually dry.

And that’s when the invitation in these verses hit me in a different way. “Come to me… and I will give you rest.” I didn’t need a vacation. I didn’t need a nap. I needed the kind of rest that only Jesus could give—the kind that meets you in your chaos and quiets your soul.

Jesus doesn’t scold the weary. He welcomes them. He offers Himself as the answer—not a list of religious duties, not a five-step plan—Himself. He says, “I will give you rest.” And then He explains how: “Take my yoke upon you…” That word yoke refers to a harness placed on animals for shared labor. But Jesus isn’t piling on more burden—He’s offering to carry it with you. “Learn from me…” He invites you to learn His way—not the world’s way of striving, but His way of humility, grace, and peace. “You will find rest for your souls.” Not just surface rest, but deep, soul‑level rest.

The rest Jesus offers is not about inactivity—it’s about identity. It’s the peace that comes from knowing you are loved, you are held, and you don’t have to carry everything on your own.

So today, if you’re carrying something heavy—lay it down. Speak this out loud if you need to: “Jesus, I give You what I cannot carry. I receive Your rest.” It’s okay to pause. To breathe. To rest. You don’t have to prove anything to God. You don’t have to hustle for His love. It’s already yours.

Let His promises hold you today—even in the busiest, most exhausting seasons of your life.