Lately I have been feeling very exhausted. I am in a very busy season of life right now getting ready for the Fall and working on the new building for our church. It is very easy for me to get down and discouraged when I am feeling this way.
I know that tiredness is a huge trigger in my struggle with depression. Right now I am fighting with everything within me not to go down that familiar road that I have taken so many times.
I realize that a big part of my problem is that I try to do things in my own strength! Today, I read Matthew 11:28-30 and these verses were exactly what I needed to hear.
Here are these verses in a few different translations:
When we come to the Lord we find rest!
We find rest for our souls.
We find rest for our weariness and toil.
We no longer need to be burdened nor weary.
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Dear Lord, I praise You for the rest and grace that I find every time I come to You in humble dependence. When I come to You, I am cleansed, sustained, refreshed, and built up. I am so thankful that Your grace is accessed through relationship with You and not through religious performance by me!
What does Matthew 11:28-30 mean to you?
Great post Kevin! I find myself in the same boat right now. Busiest season of ministry I've ever dealt with. Also dealing with life transitions, and training for a marathon.
So, I'm tired to say the least!
Thank you Kevin. I needed to hear that.
Thanks for sharing Art! Keep fighting the good fight BUT also make sure you take time to rest as well. Someone once said these words of wisdom to me: Christ already died for the church, so you don't have to!
May you find rest in God's presence today, Sue!
Oh man, I know what you’re talking about! Pressures of life, church, family, and so many other things–it can destroy our peace and joy if we allow it. I know for me, sometimes I think I’ve laid down my burdens only to realize I was still holding on. It’s a matter of conscious effort and faith! Good word, Kevin. Stay healthy and thanks for reminding us as well.
Thanks Jason! It definitely requires conscious effort and faith.
Hi Kevin and Jason, Spiritual growth is also the best source of our strength.
Yes it is!
The business of life gets to all of us sometimes. This post is timely because I am experiencing needing his rest now. Back to work and everything has changed!
Those scriptures mean a lot. To me, it means the end of our concentrated efforts on life and into some quiet prayer and meditation time with God. This is my favorite place to be. Thanks for the reminder.
Finding our rest in God is such a beautiful gift!
Thanks for sharing Joshua!
I totally agree, when we come to Lord, we all will find our peace of mind and soul. But I think we have to find them as possible here in the real life as well. I could picture myself that you feel nowadays down or got in stuck, but adversities always happen, we always have to stand up and survive. Your job seems to be really interesting, maybe you should focus on that church, it must be such an inspirational and creative job!
Thanks for sharing Judit!
I agree,and I think we all will find our peace of mind and soul when we come to Lord. But we have to find it here in real life as well, so don’t get stuck in depression and demotivation, your job sounds to be really interesting, maybe you should focus on that church during these weary days!
Thanks for sharing!
Such a beautiful text! I agree,and I think we all will find our peace of mind and soul when we come to Lord. But we have to find it here in real life as well, so don’t get stuck in depression and demotivation, your job sounds to be really interesting, maybe you should focus on that church during these weary days!
Thanks for sharing Anna!
God is the best example that we must follow, because he knows all the best for us…
Yes He does!
Thanks for sharing Fatima!
Hi sir kevs, sorry for long reply, yes I agree for what you said..
I agree with you Kevin, there are some of us who would like to do everything by ourselves, and in the end it makes us very very tired, and that develops feelings like uncertainty, doubtfulness and even depression. Thank you for sharing with us the verse from Matthew. The words may be simple, but they are enough to lift up our burdens and make our circumstances more bearable.
These verses are powerful and encouraging!
Thanks for sharing Felicia.