When You Need Rest for Your Soul

November 29, 2023

It’s hard to think of another time during the year when our lives are

more rushed than the holidays. We hit the holiday parties, visit the

relatives, buy gifts, and basically run ourselves ragged.

We may sing about “Peace on Earth” during the Christmas season, but

most of us aren’t experiencing it. You need rest for your soul.

How do you get rest for your soul? The antidote to our overloaded

soul isn’t a time-management program. It’s not a philosophy. It’s not a

plan. It’s a person. It’s Jesus.

The Bible says, “Come to

me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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, NIV).

How can we exchange our panic for God’s peace? These verses give us three important clues.

1. Come to Jesus. You

don’t do this just once — you do it every single day. No matter what

the problem, no matter how deep the hurt, you bring it to Jesus. If you

are feeling impatient with your kids, pause and come to Jesus. Let him

give you the inner peace you need to get through your day. 

2. Connect with Jesus. Jesus

says we must yoke up with him. The yoke is a piece of wood that puts

two cattle together to pull a cart. It makes a load easier because the

two cattle are sharing it. Jesus doesn’t want you to carry all your

burdens. You weren’t designed to do that. He wants you to “yoke up” with

him. He wants to share your burdens. Partner with Jesus in all things,

not just in your quiet time... to get the house clean, to be kind to

your family, to get your tasks done. Include him in your day and partner

with him. 

3. Let Jesus change you. Jesus

wants you to learn from him. And as you do, he’ll change you in the

process. He may not always change your circumstances, but he will change

your heart and give you the inner peace you need if you let him. 

The Bible says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3).  

Are you tired of being stressed out? Are you ready to have true peace that only comes from Jesus?

It’s yours for the taking. It’s a free gift to you.