Daily Devotions

We live in a world full of exhausted people, and Jesus knew this, particularly when he looked around at his disciples: “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

It is important not to rush the reading of this precious text just because it is familiar. We need to ask, can we stop and hear Jesus speak these words to us and mull each phrase over slowly? We need to hear these words as if spoken individually to each of us.

Jesus, you offer me rest and comfort in an invitation that is maternal in its tenderness. You speak these words to me as if for the first time. In that promise of rest there is a hint of the Sabbath, and I remember St. Augustine’s prayer: Lord give us the peace of quiet, the peace of the Sabbath, a Sabbath with no evening.

We have all ready quoted this hymn in this series, but in the context of this verse it is worth further contemplation.

O Sabbath rest by Galilee,

O calm of hills above,

where Jesus knelt to share with thee

the silence of eternity,

interpreted by love!

A number of research projects have discovered that taking time to rest has obvious benefits for your body. The conclusion reported that “Rest is vital for better mental health, increased concentration and memory, a healthier immune system, reduced stress, improved mood, and even a better metabolism.”

Another researcher found that, despite all the proven benefits of rest, intentionally setting aside regular time for rest is a practice that has become undervalued and under-appreciated in today’s culture. We have become overworked, overstressed, and exhausted. Yet, Sabbath (setting aside one day each week for rest) remains a dying practice. However when practiced one of the greatest societal benefits is that relationships are strengthen and deepened. 

In times of weakness and hour of need,

yours is the strength by which we carry on,

the shoulder we rest our head upon.

When our load is heavy and too much to bear,

yours are the arms stretched out to help us

the grace that we depend on.

In times of weakness and hour of need,

your voice is heard,

‘Come… find rest.’

This is grace divine,

the path we tread to wholeness

of body and spirit,

the path that leads to you,

and for which we offer our offering of praise. Amen