Don’t Pick It Back Up

Scripture:
Matthew 11:28 — “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (NIV)

Observation:
The King of all kingdoms, the Creator of the universe, the One who has always been. The Living One, the Master of all, the Lion of Judah, the Alpha and the Omega calls out to you and I, the hurting, the poor, the heavy burdened, the tired, the confused, the dirty, the worn out, burned out and ready to give up and says… “Come to me.” Come as you are, no shower, no make-up, no preparation, and no qualifications…Just come into his presence and let Him relieve your burdens and replace them with His yoke. His yoke of Freedom and His burden of peace.

Application:
I find myself taking on burdens that are not intended for me anymore. Becoming overwhelmed, tired, weary and burned out for no good reason at all. I have tasted God’s freedom, grace, and peace yet find myself picking up my old burdens out of habit, out of pride, out of a natural drive to conform to all those around me who still have yet to be relieved of the weight of the world that they still attempt to carry. May this verse remind me that God is where I find rest. That God is the one who calls out “Come to me.” May I remember that each morning, each moment.

Prayer:
I hear Your voice clearly this morning say, “Come to me.” May that drown out the burdens of this world that cry out for me to pick them back up. I am in rest and freedom only in You.

— Jason Smith, student pastor, Madison/Ridgeland campus