08.18.08

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. - Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV.  

When life gets tough and we’re between a rock and a hard place, what do we do? What do we do when the car is repossessed and the IRS wants the rest? What do we do when the doctor tells us there is no hope? What do we do when we are arrested for a crime we didn’t commit and no one will believe us? What do we do when unexpectedly we are given the “pink slip” and told to find another job? What do we do when we have an addiction that won’t let go, and it is destroying our life?  

What are we to do? Do we just “grin and bear it?” Do we “count our many blessings?” Do we “look on the bright side?” Do we put on our smiley face and tell everyone we’re fine when we’re really dying inside? Do we pop a few more pills, shoot some more dope, or go on a week-long drinking binge?  

When bad things happen or are happening in my life my response, since I have been a Christian, has always been to pray. When bad things happen, I take it to my Lord. When our youngest son was born with Down Syndrome my Lord gave me strength to continue on and still does. When my wife left me early in our marriage, my Lord intervened, and changed what looked like an impossible situation. When I was in debt up to my eyeballs, God provided the way out. When tornadoes have been headed for us, God has protected us. When I have lacked wisdom, He has come through with the guidance that I needed. When I have been desperately ill, my Lord has brought healing. When I have fallen into sin, He has given forgiveness, and raised me up to serve Him. When I have been depressed and discouraged, He has given me rest, peace and encouragement. When I was lost, and on my way to hell, He found me and gave me eternal life. He can do the same and more for you. 

Jesus says, “Come to Me... and I will give you rest.” How can Jesus give us rest? He can give us rest by taking away our burden of sin. He can give us rest by giving us “peace which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).” He can give us rest by giving us supernatural strength to endure our situation “through Christ (Philippians 4:13).” He can give us rest through His supernatural provision “according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).” He gives us rest through His Spirit, through His Word, through His people.  

Are you between a rock and a hard place? Are you at the end of your rope and your fingers are slipping? Jesus is the answer. His yoke is easy. His burden is light. Only Jesus can give rest to your soul. 

The words to the hymn, What a Friend We have in Jesus, were written by Joseph Scriven. Here are some of the words of the hymn: 

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

You can find out more about Joseph Scriven at Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_M._Scriven