4Women ...for women searching relevance in life

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NLT

How do we experience the rest that Jesus offers?

Jesus promises eternal rest for those who believe in Him but day-to-day, how do we obtain rest from those burdens – financial problems, family troubles, health issues – that we carry in our daily life?

The Bible does not make light of what troubles us, expecting us to easily shrug off our burdens. It is not glib in its understanding of life’s difficulties. It gives us many examples of people severely troubled and struggling with heavy burdens. The writer of Psalm 77 is one such person. He lies awake at night in distress. This is not a few minutes of sleeplessness but an ongoing anguish that he describes as being without weariness that does not allow him to sleep. Instead his mind is tireless, running with many thoughts. Psalm 77:2, 4, 5. He has cried out to God for help but he has not seen God responding. So, in his long sleepless night he doubts God – His love and His care – and wonders whether God has forgotten him. Psalm 77:7-9 NLT

But then, the Psalmist refuses to slip into despair. Instead, he is determined to remember God’s faithful protection in the past. He will hold fast to and cling to God. Psalm 77:10-12. 2 Kings 18:6. Psalm 119:31 NLT He will not be like those who, in Psalm 78, have forgotten God’s provision and care.

As you cry out to your heavenly Father, come into His throne room and into the presence of Jesus. Come carrying or dragging your burdens and off load them at the feet of Jesus – “casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NASB

Tell him your burdens and that you determinedly trust that he will sustain you and give you rest, based on His promise:

This is a promise from God: “Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 NASB