Learn From Me

Matt 11:29 (NIVUK)
….learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

Are you disillusioned, sceptical or feeling angry and hostile because day after day you find yourself on a wake-work-eat-sleep-repeat cycle, yet it doesn’t seem enough, not enough to please the family, not enough to please the boss, not enough to make you feel sustained? 

Frustration leads to disillusionment exhaustion and, dare I admit, depression.  

Picture Jesus in a rural setting sitting under a tree with crowds gathered, straining to listen to him. You’re part of the crowd, wanting to engage, yet sceptical. Many around you are hanging on to his every word. And then you hear the words 'Come...Come to me…' It feels like he’s describing how you are feeling, what you are going through. Something makes you want to lean a little closer and start listening half-heartedly. You find yourself identifying with what he is saying, and then you hear the words ‘you will find rest for your souls’. You want that more than anything else.

You think - if I yoke myself with him, do I have to give up control? Is this the answer? He talks about being gentle and humble in heart and invites me to learn from him. Does this mean becoming weak, a bit of a pushover? Jesus calls us to come aside. He promises rest but that doesn’t mean he promises a life free of challenges but what he does promise is time aside to learn from him about faith, trust, gentleness and humility. 

You are reminded of the verse ‘Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly’ (Micah 6:8). 

He wants us to develop these characteristics intentionally - this is the beginning of self-care. It’s this intentional posture that enables us to be free. Free to live in grace, free to love and free to experience joy.

Prayer Jesus I want to put this heavy yoke down. I want to lean on you, I want to learn from you. I need this rest, this peace. Help me Lord. Come Holy Spirit, fill me afresh.