April 2024
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us are searching for rest. We look for it in vacations, hobbies, entertainment, or by seeking advice from friends and counselors. Yet, no matter what we try, a deep sense of restlessness often remains. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus offers us a simple but profound invitation: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
This rest is not just a temporary break but a deep, soul-level peace that only Jesus can provide. He sees the burdens we carry—whether it’s the weight of guilt, the pressure of self-justification, or the worries and anxieties of daily life. Jesus recognizes our struggles and calls us to lay them down before Him. He offers a rest that isn’t found in self-help or temporary fixes but in a relationship with Him.
Jesus continues, “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.” The yoke He speaks of isn’t a heavy burden; it’s a shared load. When we choose to follow Jesus, we are no longer walking alone. He guides us, teaches us, and carries the weight with us. It’s an invitation to trust in His gentle and humble heart, to learn from His example, and to find true rest.
The kind of rest Jesus offers reaches every part of our being:
- Rest for the mind: Jesus provides wisdom and truth, freeing us from doubts and confusion.
- Rest for the heart: His love satisfies our deepest longings and heals our brokenness.
- Rest for the soul: Through His forgiveness and grace, we are freed from guilt and the fear of judgment.
This rest isn’t just for today—it’s a foretaste of the eternal rest promised to those who trust in Jesus. Hebrews 4:9-11 reminds us that there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. When we put our faith in Jesus, we can experience a peace that the world cannot give, a peace that endures beyond life’s challenges.
At International Christian Fellowship Woerden (ICF Woerden), we invite you to come and find this rest in Jesus. It doesn’t matter where you’ve been or what burdens you carry—there’s room for you in His embrace. As C.H. Spurgeon said, “There are many heads resting on Christ’s bosom, but there’s room for yours there.”
Let’s come to Jesus today, lay down our burdens, and receive the rest He so lovingly offers. After all, as Augustine once wrote, “Lord, You made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in You.”
