Rest Along the Way
Scripture: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." – Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
Illustration
Think of a traveler carrying a heavy load along a rough path, struggling under the weight. When they reach a wise guide, the guide offers to share the load with them – adjusting the yoke so it fits perfectly and lightening the burden. In the same way, Jesus invites us to lay down our heavy burdens and find rest in him, trusting his strength instead of our own.
Reflection
Lent is a time to step back from the busyness of life and find rest in God. The world often pushes us to strive harder, achieve more, and carry every burden alone. But Jesus calls us to a different way – one of trust and dependence, where we find true rest for our souls by learning from him.
Challenge for the Day
Identify one burden you’ve been carrying alone. Today, take time to lay it before God in prayer, then intentionally let go of trying to control it. Choose one small way to rest in him – pause for quiet reflection, say no to an unnecessary task, or simply trust that he is working things out.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for inviting us to find rest in you. Help us to lay down our burdens and take up your gentle yoke. Teach us to trust your strength instead of our own, and give us true rest for our souls. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
