Matthew 11

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden,

Don’t stay stuck or ashamed. I know your troubles and welcome you still.

and I will give you rest.

I know how tired you are and how you long for rest. Yet rest is a gift, not a wage. It comes from the hand of Christ, not “me” time or pampering or sleeping in or no more work.

Take my yoke upon you,

Take up the tasks I have given you, not your own agenda or ideas.

and learn from me,

I am not leaving you to flounder on your own. I will help you learn what you need to.

for I am gentle and lowly in heart,

I am the master teacher, wise and patient. I will not beat you cruelly over the head but will instead lead you to where we must go together.

and you will find rest for your souls.

Only in surrendering to me can you find the ache within you fulfilled.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

As you learn to keep in step with me, you will find that my commands are not burdensome but blessing. You will also see that I can help you carry any burden you yield to me.

Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30

My own writing in italics

Photo by Elham Abdi on Unsplash