Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
~ Matthew 11:28
The words of that particular verse resonated in my soul last night. I was fortunate enough to see Joyce Meyer as her summer conference brings her to Indianapolis. Last week, my dear friend Tonja invited me along. Now let me digress a bit. I have not been home one night this week. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday not home... staying up late watching the Olympics, certain time of the month (sorry hope that doesn't offend) etc. I am exhausted. Yesterday morning I got an email from Tonja about the time frame for Thursday's conference. I responded back telling her I wasn't sure if I could go. I was exhausted. I needed some rest and felt another night away from home would do me in. Especially since I was going to be away from home Friday night and ALL Day Saturday. It looked as if rest was no where in sight. I have to tell you, the bags under my eyes looked like I could check them on an airline flight.
Well, the Holy Spirit definitely was at work on my heart, and boy was I battling a bit with God. I'm tired, I don't want to go, I want to stay home and relax... but I didn't want to let my friend down. We both had been talking about our desert walk this summer! So, reluctantly I went.
I have to tell you when I was first sitting in Conseco Fieldhouse, the back ground noise of thousands of chattering people, I was alone with my God. Tears welling up in my eyes, the dam broke. A flood of hurts were falling out of my heart. The hurt of a broken friendship, the worries of caring for an ailing parent, being strong for my husband during the sadness of his father's failing health, the tough real estate market I work in... the hurts of my heart pouring out on Jesus and he catching every tear. (all of this before the conference even started) My exhaustion wasn't just physical, it was emotional. Actually I knew that, but I believe I was just keeping the proverbial "stiff upper lip".
Come to me... those words of Jesus, the invitation... all who are weary and burdened - ME... and I will give you rest! Ah, the comfort of resting in Jesus. That rest I so desparately needed... I got it! I rested in Jesus!
Dearest Jesus, in you is peace. In you I rest. In you I am given the strength to navigate in this fallen world. You are my hope, you are the hope that never disappoints me. Come Lord Jesus, be my rest....
Amen
8 comments:
I'm so glad you found the rest you needed with Jesus. I too, know the desert walk of which you speak; I have been walking it myself this summer.
I'm glad you followed your heart and went to the conference. It's a times like that when we are faithful, even though we don't necessarily want to be, that He shows up in a mighty way, amen?
God Bless,
Amy:)
Thank you sweet and precious Jesus for catching every tear! Continue to hold your beautiful daughter and don't let her take her cares back...You Lord hold tight to them and whisper to her heart You can handle them! We love you Jesus-Amen!
Thank you for this beautiful testimony to your obedience and God's goodness in that. Your open heart is much appreciated and is a treasure.
By the way, your "time of the month" comment was NOT offensive...it's reality for all of us.
Blessings,
Paula
So glad you went and experienced "rest" in Jesus. There is nothing like it when we're exhausted, hurting, worried. This post was a comfort to me as I find myself in a similar frame of mind, and I echo your prayer. Thank you for sharing this tender blessing.
Tracy
Thank you for sharing your journey. Jesus is truly the "rest of God." He is our Sabbath and the fulfillment of every Sabbath regulation. How deeply He rests us. Rest well as He refreshes you!
Thank You Lord, for Your Word and Your Promises. You are so ever faithful!
We come to you....
Lovingly,
Yolanda
Sometimes we need a "Jesus Rally" to bring us rest. I'm so glad you found some comfort in your time with God, even in the midst of 1000's. Would love to hear more about the event as time allows.
peace~elaine
Kristen, I so needed to read this tonight. I have been caring for ailing parents over the last couple of weeks, and I'm exhausted - more emotionally than physically. Thank you for reminding me of the rest and peace in Him. God has used you to encourage my heart tonight and remind me of His love and care.
Blessings,
Joy
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