I'm learning how to rest. It seems to me that athletes (young and old) are better at training than resting. In my mind, I equate resting with laziness. I understand that muscles need recovery time, and yet when does recovery time become an excuse to not work hard? I find it difficult to be still, physically, and let my body (and my mind) rest.
The Lord calls us to a Sabbath rest. He tells us to take a day off, to physically rest. I'm learning that when I do this it translates to Him as trust. If I am constantly working and pushing in order to keep up, my life is out of order. I trust my hands to complete the work not His provision. It's pretty amazing how much more energy I have, and how much I get done, after a Sabbath day of rest.
Jesus also said, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, 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 shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and My load is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
As challenging as it is to obediently carve out time for physical rest, I think it can be even more difficult to find this elusive thing Jesus calls "rest for your souls." This is not a once a week ordinance, this is a way of life. So often we rattle around inside and experience deep restlessness. Even when we are in peaceful settings trying to find rest, it can seem beyond our reach.
The passage is interesting in so many ways. First of all Jesus requires us to recognize our soul weariness. Sometimes I'm so caffeinated and busy that I don't realize how tired I am inside. I have to stop and look inside and recognize what's happening in my soul. His solution, then, is for the weary and weighed down, to enter His presence. "Come to Me..." says Jesus. In the context of the Scriptures He was traveling and teaching and preaching. He was exhorting the people around Him to come. Once we can sense and admit our weariness, the next step in soul rest, is to turn to Jesus and be present with Him. This requires faith to know He is truly present, and discipline to make the effort to stop and turn towards Him.
As a Rabbi, He was inviting them to take on the yoke of His teaching. His yoke was the equivalent of His theology. What was Jesus teaching the people? How could any yoke, any burden of faith related action, be easy and light? Jesus' teaching was so different than the rule driven Pharisees. He described Himself as a humble and gentle teacher. His requirement was upside down to the ears of the first century religious seekers...one of inside out transformation, not fear based legalism. He taught life in the Spirit, freedom, and love as the basis of law. Turning to Jesus, coming to Jesus, and putting on His yoke, requires learning to accept grace and to experience His love and forgiveness. There is no greater rest for the soul than experiencing a completely clear conscience. There is no deeper need in our souls than to know we are loved.
His load is light because it is not about trying. I can perform under pressure as a coach or athlete and still be at rest in my soul. I can practice His presence every step of my day, even in the midst of competition. In this way, my soul is unburdened. I am in His care, and responding to His promptings. There is unexpected rest even in the midst of my work, when my work is driven by the nearness of my Lord.
I pray you find his rest today.
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