A Real Rest


Read Matthew 11:28-30

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30 The Message)

While I consider myself a bit of a Bible nerd and wouldn’t normally turn to Eugene Peterson’s The Message as my preferred translation, I have always been drawn to how he translates this passage. For whatever reason, when I read the words above I am overwhelmed by every sentence: Yes! I am worn out. I want nothing more than to recover my life. I need a real rest—not just a nap. I want to learn a new way of doing things so that I’m not always burnt out. I can’t wait to learn what the “unforced rhythms of grace” means and what it feels like to live out those rhythms in my life. I want to live freely! And lightly! 

This week we are digging into Jesus as the One who comforts and this passage provides me with comfort. Life is hard and Jesus wants to be our burden-bearer. He gets it—as humans, we do get tired, worn out, and burned out on religion. He invites us to come to Him—that’s it! That’s our first step when we’re feeling weary…to come to Jesus and He will help us recover our life. He will show us how to take a real rest.

As I have been sitting with this passage to write this devotional, I’ve been struck by the three W’s: walk, work, and watch. Jesus’ invitation is not just to come to Him so He will take care of everything. It’s an invitation to learn from Him: to learn a new way of living that is unforced, has healthy rhythms, and is full of grace. We still have to do our part, but Jesus will be right there with us every step of the way. I’ve also been struck by this phrase: “I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.” Wow. Jesus acknowledges that we have limits and boundaries—especially when we are worn out—and He promises to limit our burdens. 

So, dear reader, how are you coming to Jesus this December? Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Jesus today and let Him be your teacher, your comforter, and your burden-bearer. 

For reflection:

  • Talk to Jesus about how you’re feeling. Ask Him to show you the unforced rhythms of grace.

Nativity Building: Place the magi in another room. These travelers remind us that Jesus’ followers would be from all nations. Jesus’ birth would bring COMFORT to people all over the worTalk to Jesus about how you’re feeling. Ask Him to show you the unforced rhythms of grace. 

by Liz Carver


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