Stick a fork in me.
I'm done.
Ever felt like that?
Like you cannot face another day? Like you cannot take another step? Like you cannot catch your breath?
Just flat out pooped, weary, spent, worn out, exhausted, debilitated –
Days when you feel heavy laden?
The good Lord has a thing to say about that, you know…
It's such a familiar passage of Scripture that we almost don't grab the meaning anymore –
"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." (Matthew 11:28-29)
Yes, some of us are so overburdened by life that our concept of rest is skewed – we think it means complete escape from all responsibilities, total absence of anxiety.
But Jesus does not want us to be passive, nor does He want us to be escape artists!
So, He paints us a word picture.
A pair of oxen pulling a wagon.
"Typically, a pair consists of a mature, experienced ox and a young one just learning how to work. The mature ox does far more of the actual work to pull the load. The young animal's task is to figure out how to walk in tandem with the older ox so that they don’t pull against each other. The more it learns to cooperate, the easier the task is." *
Isn't that a beautiful picture of our relationship with Jesus?
We must learn how to pull alongside Him.
He's a gentle and patient Teacher. He is kind and merciful. And He will always remind us that He's the One pulling the load.
Maybe we get tired because we're trying to pull our own wagons. Maybe we're not leaning on the Lord enough. Maybe we look at all those burdens and just feel like giving up. It's much too heavy a load to bear…
Of course it is.
That’s what Jesus said.
"Let Me take the burdens. Let Me pull you along. Let Me guide you and teach you. Let Me…"
Learning this lesson gives us peace, relief, and rest. Learning this lesson allows us to have joy and gratitude in the midst of the struggles and trials of life. Learning this lesson allows us to rely on the Lord's strength. Learning this lesson frees us to trust Jesus…
Oh, Lord – I'm done.
Are you tired of carrying your own load? Will you take on the yoke of Jesus?
* (Quoted from "The One Year Daily Insights with Zig Ziglar", c. 2009)
SIDENOTE:
It is my honor to be a contributing writer at Sanctified Together, an online magazine, created "to encourage and disciple women to live set-apart lives for Christ and to be a light into the world, spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ." Won't you join me and other women as we gather to celebrate the wonder of our Lord! Thanks, Alisa and Crissy!
BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"
Man you are always so deep and so right on. HE says He will share our burdens - but sometimes we forget and leave without HIM! sandie
ReplyDeletehow neat you are part of that online ministry, Sharon! I do like this passage you spoke of. I like to othat Jesus says "come to me ALL who are weary and burdened" (my emphasis). He doesn't exclude anyone! I find that comforting that his gift is open to anyone who will take it!
ReplyDeletebetty
Hi Sharon,
ReplyDeleteRight on Target again, thank you for sharing
God Bless - Nita
I'm done, too! What a relieve that God with us to pull the load! Your post reminded me of a sign I saw the other day in front of a church. It read, "If God is your co-pilot, swith seats!" Thanks for the great reminder to let God lead...
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
Wow...I typed that too fast! Sorry for the type-os! It should say "...relief that God is with us..." and "switch seats" not "swith seats"! Wow...oh wow! (blush, smile)
ReplyDeleteI'm done too.
ReplyDeleteBut then, you knew that, didn't you?
Actually this was very timely advice for me.
Hi Sharon -
ReplyDeleteDone? Oh no - you're just getting started on a journey to new dimensions in GOD.
It shall be done - it shall comes to pass -
surely...
Sandie - I'm always leaving without Him!! I'm just a stubborn little ox sometimes! Thankful that He is a patient and kind teacher - always willing to show me the way when I humble myself under His teaching.
ReplyDeleteBetty - Yes, the ALL-inclusive Savior. I'm also glad that He doesn't say to come to Him only when we're feeling strong, or secure, or confident, or happy. He calls to us in our pain and struggle. That's when we need Him the most - that's when His yoke is light. For all He asks is for us to follow Him.
Nita - Thanks, dear friend. Struggling to yield to the Lord's yoke - trying to unburden myself of loads that He never intends for me to carry.
Joan - Great sign and great sentiment!! Yes, He definitely needs to be the Pilot. I'm not even thinking he needs me in the cockpit!! I think my best place is in a passenger seat - trusting it all to the wisdom of the Pilot.
Debbie - I did know that. Thought this post might encourage both of us!!
Sandra - Thanks for this great word. I like the idea of God revealing new dimensions to me. Just when I think I understand things, He shows me more revelation - He shows me more of Himself. What a wonder!
GOD BLESS!