Rest for the Weary

Have you ever been tired, heavy laden, or weary? To be tired means to exhaust or greatly decrease the physical strength. As young parents, one of the statements that is often used around our house is, “I am tired.” With little children, endless loads of laundry, dirty dishes, soccer practices, and balancing doctor’s appointments, and work schedules, these physical bodies can only labor so long before needing some rest. There are only so many broken nights of sleep you can go through without beginning to feel the tension in the rest of the day. Often, the joy of the work week being over and the thrill of being able to sleep a little later on Saturday or Sunday morning can provide the added refreshment needed to revive us. In a physical sense, we understand the joy of being finished, ceasing from our labors, and getting some rest. Going to bed on time, the refreshment of the Lord’s day, and vacation days are beautiful things.
What about being able to rest spiritually? How can we find rest in a restless world? Supermarkets stay open overnight. Fast food is open overnight. Global markets are open throughout the day. This little ball we call earth is buzzing with activity all day every day. With so many things to do, how do we stop and find out what is most important? Once again, we must turn to our Creator. Mankind is looking for something to satisfy. We are looking for peace and rest to calm our anxious souls. In this passage, the Lord Jesus Christ gives an invitation to rest. The spiritually worn, weary, and weak can be revived, refreshed, and strengthened.