Yoking Up with Love
I came back from a vacation this summer and it wasn’t until I was rested that I realized how exhausted I was. I realized that resting and getting refreshed require intentionality
The Value of Rest
Rest is a high premium to God. He rested on the7th day(Genesis 2:2-3). Rest was so important to God, He commanded His children to rest every week (Exodus 20:8-11)This commandment for a Sabbath rest was fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10, Luke 6:5).
So, how does this work?
Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-29 (AMPC):
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.
Wow, there’s so much to unpack here!
Taking Stock of Our Well-Being
First of all, we are invited to take stock of ourselves and be aware of when we are overburdened. We need to heed the warning signals when we are on overload. If this is a foreign practice to us, Holy Spirit will help!
When we are overwhelmed, we need to come to Jesus instead of medicating or caffeinating. Coming to Jesus means turning our thoughts, attention and affection toward Him. If you are talking to Him throughout your day, as I regularly suggest, this will become habitual. Here, you connect or “yoke-up” with Jesus.
Learning About Jesus
I want you to look at Matthew 11:29 where it says to learn of Jesus.
Here is a startling order.
What are you to learn about Jesus – His holiness, His might, His wisdom?
No, He urges you to learn about a particular attribute of His character – His meekness, gentleness, and humility. These are attributes of Love!
I think He brings out these attributes of His nature because He is saying, “I AM here to serve you. I won’t get irritated when you come AGAIN. I AM always here for you.”
That’s amazing!
That’s Love!!!
When you yoke up with Love, what happens? You find rest for your souls!
Rest for Your Soul
I love the way the amplified version amplifies this verse.
Here rest is:
Relief
Ease
Refreshment
Recreation and
Blessed quiet for your souls
Can you feel it? Pause a bit.
Let Him minister to you right now, even if it is for ONE MINUTE…
OK, how do you feel?
Better, right?
You can do this any time.
Join me for the next article as I pick up on another wonderful aspect of getting refreshed in Christ!
XO,
Catherine