Already Tired?

We have experienced three days of a new year and many of us are already exhausted. Maybe it is a carry over from last year, the holidays, our schedules or a combination of all three. Whatever the cause, it is hard to remember a time when we did not feel worn out. As we collectively return to our our jobs, routines, busy homes and life in general, perhaps there is a shared feeling of dread and preconceived exhaustion. Similar to someone squatting (or lifting) weights, sinking lower and lower as more "weight" is added to the bar until finally dropping to our knees unable to hold it up on our own.

Perhaps it is the amount of people we deal with, day in and day out. Or the amount of problems that seem to be mounting in our lives. Worse yet, maybe it is the pain of losing a loved one or a physical ailment that seems to have taken the joy of living. For all of us there are days when we simply feel like it has become too much and the enemy begins to use those feelings against us. We worry, fear, even have troubling breathing while becoming more and more fixated on the woes of the world; robbing us of much needed rest and enjoyment of life.

In the Book of Matthew, Jesus provides hope, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (11:28-30). Notice first, Jesus expects us to act upon His promise. We are to first go (come) to Him and then accept (take) His yoke. In other words, we need to seek Jesus' rest which is a very different type of rest then the world offers. A rest that abides in our very souls.

For believers, our ultimate hope is the promise of entering into God's rest which includes:

1. His peace that allows us to face all trials and temptations with the assurance of a risen Savior (victory over death). 2. Confidence of salvation (whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord). 3. Reliance on the His strength and not our own (I can do ALL things, not anything) and 4. Promise of an eternal home (no pain or tears).

Already feeling worn out? I encourage you to anchor your hope in Jesus. He can give you rest like you have never experienced before...

Pastor Aaron