Nothing but Rest

It’s past midnight. It's been another busy week. I’ve prayed about what I should write. I’ve scoured the highlighted verses in my well-used Bible, the one I like the best, for something to jump out at me. I’ve looked at all the started-and-not-finished pieces piling up in a folder on my computer’s desktop. Nothing.

What do we do when we feel like there is nothing more to say. When our resources are tapped out and we not only don’t have anything to say but we feel like there is nothing more we can do. The kids are out of control. We’ve lost close friends or relatives. The job is going no-where. Retirement feels purposeless. Nothing more than a waiting for the end. What happens when your personal well is dry and if one more expectation is placed on you, you know you’ll blow?

It’s these exact days, or weeks, or maybe even months, that the Christian season of Lent is all about. It is in this interlude between Epiphany and the greatest celebration day of human history, that we are called to take a deep breath, let it out slowly, say, “no” to at least one specific thing, and remember where the breath came from that we just exhaled.

“Come onto me all you 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 will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

When it all piles up and life gets to be just a bit too much, do you find these words of Jesus to be irritating? You can be honest! Does it feel like his call to come to him is just one more thing you have to do? If you're anything like me, you find it easier to imagine that walking in sandals along a dusty road on the way to Jerusalem in the 1st Century is more restful than the frantic pace of the 21st Century. May I make a suggestion? That deep breath you took just a moment ago - as you let it out slowly, take one step toward Jesus - head in his direction, and you will find rest. Jesus never hurried anywhere. He never hurried because he never worried. He trusted perfectly in his Father and in his relationship in the Trinity. We may not be able to trust perfectly, but we can all likely trust just a little more. Trust the yoke he has given you. In it, your nothing will become nothing but sweet rest.

Prayer:

Father, help me during this season of Lent to take a step back from the cares of this life in favor of stepping closer to you. Help me to trust that the yoke you have given me will comfort me with rest for my weary soul. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.