I want to give the last word to Jesus:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

I think we should hear these words in much the same way that God intended for the Israelites to hear His teaching regarding the Sabbath: less as a command, more as an invitation. Remember, God originally gave Sabbath rest as a gift to a people who had recently been liberated from the bondage of slavery. And so we see Jesus standing before us, offering us the key to our freedom. We no longer need to be slaves to our schedules, slaves to hurry and busyness and the myth of self-importance. Instead, we can find what our hearts have always been longing for: …and you will find rest for your souls.

Are you tired?

Are you tired of being tired?

Are you tired of living a distracted life?

Are you tired of being consumed by worry?

Are you tired of being a workaholic?

Are you tired of being emotionally numb?

Maybe the anxiety you’re feeling is your soul trying to tell you that something is wrong.

But what if you slowed down and instead, you decided to go home?

What if you turned to the one who promises more than the false happiness of busyness and self-importance?

What if you turned to the one who promises the true happiness of eternal rest for your soul?

So hear again His words to restless hearts like yours and mine: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. You will find rest for your souls.

In the name of Jesus Christ, the Sovereign Lord who makes all things new, he who has ears, let him hear.