Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. Matthew 11:28-30
Have you ever faced tragedy that seems overwhelming and soul-destroying?
A counselor met with a man named Julio to discuss a recent trauma. Julio had gone for a surf session, but realized when he got to the beach, the waves were far too dangerous. As he turned to leave, he heard the frantic shouts of a woman pointing out a teenage boy swept out to sea. Julio stood there, trying to figure out how to help. He knew if he jumped in the water, he’d likely die too. But he was desperate to help the boy!
What a terrible and powerless position to be in. Despite extensive efforts at a rescue, the boy drowned. In the weeks to come, Julio often tormented himself over whether there was something more he could have done.
After a tragedy, it’s easy to torment ourselves with all that might have been different. In such times, we need peace that seems impossible in our circumstances.
Whatever accusations, fears, or heartbreak you’ve faced, Jesus offers you His peace. He invites the tired and those heavily burdened with sorrow and regret. Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
When we come to Jesus, we lay down the burden of our guilt and failures. We lay down all tormenting burdens. And we can leave with Jesus everything we don’t understand and can’t control. If you need Jesus’s gentleness today, come.
