REST AND RECOVERY

Friends, on December 27, 2022, God led me to this scripture during my quiet time that morning.


“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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.” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV


Join me in allowing God’s Word to comfort us who may be tired and need rest and recovery. Let’s look at each verse.


WE ARE PROMISED REST
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NIV


This is an invitation for anyone. For ministry and marketplace leaders, this call is especially important to answer. It is far too easy to lead in our strength. This leads to burnout and is not sustainable. And even if it were, it is sinful, and we need to repent every time we try to take control. We must stay surrendered to Christ and His plan for our lives.


Question: “Are you a ‘human doing’ or a ‘human being’? Be with Christ. Dwell in His presence. Soak it in. All of our ‘to-do’ lists can wait. We need to sit daily at the feet of Jesus for nurturing, learning, and guidance.


TO REST IS A LEARNED BEHAVIOR
For ministry and marketplace leaders, we have to intentionally work at learning to rest. Christ promises that if we give over our burdens to Him, He will give us rest. If we watch what He is doing, we will learn how He gives us rest, so it is easier in the future to find rest in Him.


“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.” Matthew 11:29 NIV


May our souls rest in Christ alone. Not in our bank accounts, job title, or family status. May we only rest in Christ.


CHRIST’S EXPECTATIONS FOR US ARE REALISTIC
Christ does not put unreasonable expectations on us. Overachieving ministry and marketplace leaders can certainly set unreasonable expectations for themselves, which can rob them of the rest Christ wants us to have. We can ease off and just enjoy Christ’s presence.


“For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:30 NIV
May we enjoy the present of Christ’s presence today and always—one day at a time.


CONCLUSION
Life is good if we rest in Christ, and Christ alone. May we remember that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Accept this and rest in Him who deeply cares for you. Amen.


Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. 
November 23, 2023
POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ.