Are you weary? Are you carrying heavy burdens? Sometimes I wake up in the morning feeling like the weight of the world is on me. I may get temporary, physical relief, or even a mental escape, from a vacation or time doing something I enjoy.
Although those things are all good and needed, I still find myself tired. Deep inside, I feel like I’m just rolling with the tide and coasting on autopilot. My soul needs real rest. Do you ever feel that way? The good news is there is hope for me and for you. Jesus promises REST for our SOULS.
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.’ ”
This verse is one I find very encouraging. Here are my takeaways:
1. “Take my yoke and let me teach you.” For me, this has been about trusting Him — about really trusting Him to lead me. This includes a surrendering of my life and ultimately letting go of control. What is keeping you from surrendering fully to Him?
2. “I am humble and gentle at heart.” He loves you and me sooooo much. His desire to lead us, and lead us gently, comes from His unconditional love for us. We CAN trust Him. Do you see and feel God’s love for you?
3. “For my yoke is easy to bear.” His way will always be best AND His way will always be the easiest. You can choose your “hard” —God’s hard or your hard. Which do you really think will be harder? I always regret not listening to God. We will NEVER regret obeying Him. What decision do you need to make today?
4. “You will find rest for your souls.” Rest for our souls! That’s deep soul rest, not just physical rest. It’s ultimately what we need. It is what He promises when we bring it all to Him. Do you want this rest?
I find rest in my soul when I go through this process. Please know surrendering, trusting, and obeying is a daily process. Don’t get weary. His hand is humble and gentle.
Art Garza
Director of Broadcasting, STAR 93.3
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Such a great email thank you. I’ll be saving this one!
God bless you thank you
Thank you Art! I really needed to hear this today and God is using you to pass on these words to all your listeners, like me. I was crying on my way to work today, but after reading this and knowing God is talking to me through you! Well, I feel so much better, like I’m walking on clouds right now. Thank you so much and God bless you and your family! Amen brother!
I printed this out, made copies for my co-workers, and even hung it up in my office. This was greatly needed! Many of us have been running on empty and have been filling our tanks with things of this world sadly. No wonder we are not feeling satisfied nor content. God bless you Art for this gentle reminder!
Diane, thank you for passing encouragement on to your co-workers! And thank you for the kind words.
Great inspiration! Thank you, Art! Growing up I have construed rest in scripture to mean death. I hear so many young folks refused to serve the Lord until they are old. They say, “I want to enjoy my life”. Really! Our joy do not come from this world. It’s a result of “surrendering, trusting and obeying God on a daily basis”. In other words, real rest is when you are dead physically, but alive spiritually!
Such wise words, Richard. Thank you for sharing that and I’m glad this was helpful for you!
Thank You I needed to read this Today, I Love the way God Works!!!
Us too! Bless you, Lori.
Thanks Art… I know those verses well, however it is nice to know someone else gets weary and finds comfort in the Bible. That has been my “go to” book since Covid, as nothing else helped and praying for us all.
God bless you!
It’s the perfect go-to book! And yes, I get weary, we all get weary. That’s why we need Jesus!
My family and I went to church this pass Sunday. It was great because,IT WAS WELL NEEDED FOR MY FAMILY AND AS INDIVIDUALS.. DAYS PROIR TO SUNDAY,I HAD ALREADY STARTED TO FEEL A DIFFERENCE IN MIND,HEART,ACTIONS. IT FELT SO GREAT. THEN,SUNDAY THE MESSAGE TOUCHED MY SOUL,SPIRIT,MIND. SHORTLY AFTER CHURCH THE DEVIL KEPT TRYING TO STEP IN. I FEEL LIKE I ALLOWED HIM IN BACK IN. PRAY FOR MY FAMILY AND I
Mrs. Hayes, we have all been through that and are praying for you and your family! Keep surrendering to Jesus (it’s a daily. process) and keep turning to him…the enemy has no chance when you belong to Jesus!
Thank you Kathleen! Glad it was helpful for you.
Fortune, we’re so glad you’re a part of the Star 99.1 family! Thank you for sharing that. We’re with you and praying for you.
So Great, Art!!!!!! Yes, we have to remind ourselves that God is truly in control. No matter what issues, problems, messes befall us, He will be alongside us, as either He shows us the way out of it all, or He will guide us to find the solutions!!!!
Thank you for these great and inspiring thoughts!!!!!!!!
Yes and Amen Edy!
Oh my!!!! The Lord knows how much I needed this, this week. It has been a rough week., so thank you for such encouraging words.