This week, while feeling worn down from a variety of things in my life both professionally and personally, I looked for rest in scripture. I’ve discovered that Matthew 6:25-34, Matthew 11:28-30, and Romans 8 are a great way to regain perspective and remember what is the most important.

Today, I spent time looking at Matthew 11:28-30 (NASB): “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, 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.”

As I read and reread the passage, I was captured by the actions I am instructed to take: come, take, and learn. Specifically, “come to Me,” “Take my yoke,” and “learn from Me.” I started to think about how I was naturally responding when life seemed overwhelming or exhausting. Where was I going for rest, what was I doing to find rest, and what was I learning in the experience?

For me, I can run to other people or more activity instead of Him for rest and instruction. I also realized there are many things I try to work out and figure out in my own way, instead of His.  I try to push through the situation, not fully discovering what is going on, not recognizing how I’m responding, and not seeing what really needs to be done. What was I learning? I was seeing the healthy and unhealthy patterns in my own life, leading to rest and unrest. I know I need to further develop the reflex action of going to Him with all things.

The invitation is to “come to Me,” the One who knows and sees all things. He knows what I need and can lead and direct me in every situation. Sometimes that means to run with Him on a project or something and other times it means to stop and wait.

The invitation is to take His yoke. He knows the load and work I need to do. I can trust Him to direct my steps. I need not figure it all out, but follow Him.

The invitation is to learn from Him. Through these experiences, I have an opportunity to learn more about Him, His ways, and His works. I can also learn how to be the person He has created me to be.

How are you feeling this week? How are you doing in this area? What does come, take, and learn say to you?