Finding Real Rest

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
– Matthew 11:28-30 MSG

I wonder if the extended version sounds something like this:

Look, I died so I could be with you! I took on the cross, I became sin, I stood in your place.

I went all the way for you. Not so you could build a life on performance. Not so you could read every marriage book, involve your kids in every sport and commit to every opportunity. I died so you could have life. So you could have me! I am the life. I am the bread of life, and I am the living water. I made you, I formed you, and I created you to be exactly the way that you are. And I love you for it. I love you for you. Don’t discredit my love, and don’t discount the significance of relationship with me. I am Emmanuel. I am with you. And I will take you where you need to be.

I came to Egypt for you, I rescued you, I brought you out. You are no longer a slave to your productivity. Don’t worry about doing everything the right way, just stick with me. I will lead you and guide you, I will correct you and protect you. Go, enjoy the life I have given you. 

I am the Lord your God. You are mine.

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“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly 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 CSB

How easily we who have been united to Christ wonder what God thinks of us in our failures now. The logic of Romans 5 is: Through his Son he drew near to us when we hated him. Will he remain distant now that we hope we can please him?
– Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly

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Related: Stay Close to Jesus