Column by Sumter pastor Joey Durham: Go to Jesus, who will give you rest

DURHAM

By JOEY DURHAM

Our devotion today considers this question, “Where do I go when I need rest?” That question is answered by Jesus Christ in Matthew 11:28-30, where we read, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (KJV)

Here in this chapter, Jesus Christ has just suffered rejection from His own people, and you know that had to break His heart, but then as a result, He turns with an invitation to anyone and everyone to come to Him for rest and refreshment in their life. Can I ask you a question? Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? From a heart of love and devotion that only God could have for anyone needing eternal rest, Jesus Christ invites you to such a relationship that offers this kind of rest. It is only as we come to Him that we can find rest for our soul. His promise is giving peace to our heart, which is rest for our soul.

Not all, but many psychological problems which people have are rooted in the simple fact that they do not have the rest of soul or the peace they need in their heart. In coming to Christ and allowing Him to have first place in our life, there comes a rest and peace which no psychiatrist or psychologist can ever give. But it requires a turning to and coming to Jesus which is called repentance and faith. It also includes accepting or “taking His yoke.” A yoke was an ancient implement used to harness oxen or other animals to work together. It implies both work and cooperation and is a symbol of our serving the Lord. The peace and rest which is in Christ will come as we willingly begin to serve Him, taking His yoke of service upon us. Right here is another seeming paradox of Christianity. As we are weary and heavy laden with the problems of our life, Jesus directs us to take His yoke, or in other words, serve Him. In so doing, He will give rest to our souls. The Lord then substantiates the reason to do this by declaring, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” In other words, you won’t find anyone as kind, gentle and helpful as Jesus Christ is. Are you burdened with the cares and problems of this life? Go to Jesus, and He will give you rest.

Dr. Joey Durham is pastor at Open Bible Baptist Church at 180 Old Manning Road in Sumter. You can contact Pastor Durham at durham.joey@yahoo.com or call the church office at (803) 481-9315.