Invited to Find Rest
Scripture Reading — Matthew 11:25-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
An elderly woman told me that she was tired—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Her husband had recently been admitted into a nursing home, and she herself had cancer. She did not know how she could go on. She just did not have the strength. She felt utterly weary and burdened.
In various degrees and for many reasons countless go through life feeling the same way. The season of Christmas, supposedly a time to celebrate, often adds to their weariness, leaving little room for true joy.
Some store clerks can’t wait for the month to end because of their demanding schedules. Single parents ask themselves how they can get everything done before Christmas. People on low incomes wonder how they can buy gifts and still make ends meet. Those who are recently bereaved wonder how they can stand the pain of missing their loved one.
Perhaps you are weary too. If so, don’t go it alone. Listen carefully to the Lord Jesus as he invites you to come to him to give you the rest you so desperately need. Jesus does not make false promises. He does not promise to take away all your troubles. But he does promise rest for your soul, the most important rest of all. Spend time with him, and you will find his strength and courage to meet the challenges you face. It’s guaranteed!
Lord Jesus, at this time of the year especially, so many of us are exhausted. Open our eyes and show us that we need the rest you came to bring. For your name’s sake, Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
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