Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls.

Matthew 11:29 (AMP)

 

Jesus taught His disciples the importance of rest.

They clearly have a lot to do and not enough time to do it all. However, Jesus emphasised that their busy schedules should not keep them from both enjoying and being enjoyed by God. When they learn to rest in Christ, they were most productive and fruitful for the kingdom.

Rest is both counterintuitive and countercultural.

The truth is that busyness is frequently not the issue, but it fosters a false sense of self-sufficiency because we believe our success and accomplishments are the result of our own hard work and effort, rather than God's grace and favour. We must acknowledge that God has blessed us so that we can reap the fruits of our labour. However, if work is negatively affecting our relationships, families, and faith, we must reconsider and reimagine God's purpose for work and rest.

By calling us to come and rest in Him, Jesus is inviting us to build and root our identity and security in Him. Then two things happen to us. We are set free from working and serving with the wrong mindset or motivation and we are set free into working and serving with God, enabling Him to fulfil His purpose for us and in us.

What is God saying to me here and what must I do?