Put Down Your Burdens | Matthew 11:28-30

“Then Jesus said, “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 11:28-30

Are you carrying a lot of burdens?

We live in a world that insists on self reliance. But Jesus offers a chance to lay down those burdens and find rest for your soul in him alone. What he’s offering is a chance for anyone who follows to him to experience a life marked by calm, quiet, and peace that the world can’t provide.

Take some time to reflect today on the aspects of your life where you’re trying to do it all on your own. Why not put those things down and let him carry them for you? In John 15:1-5, Jesus reminds us that he is the vine and those who follow him are the branches. He says, “Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”

The meaning is simple, really: apart from Jesus, you cannot continue to carry the burdens you’ve been carrying. You can do nothing! But when you understand this truth and commit yourself to continually abiding in him, you are able to let go of the burdens, let him carry them, and find rest for your soul.

As you go about your day, pray that God would help you cultivate an intentional awareness of your dependence on Him for your every need. Abide in him and draw from his strength, not your own.