How to Rest When You Can’t Do Anything Well

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28

Tension wrapped its fingers around my shoulders and heart.

Messed up again. I can’t seem to remember anything. I missed Grayson’s shower…I nearly missed Glory’s and I still have homework to do, VBS to plan for, talks for a conference in Florida, and a 20 year high school reunion to attend.

My heart raced and my eyes darted back and forth calculating, calculating…There isn’t enough time…Did I tell my parents my family and I are coming in this week? For the reunion?

On the way to pick up a friend for the baby shower I called my mom.

“Did I tell you and dad we are coming this week for the high school reunion?” I cringed as I drove praying maybe I had.

“No…” my mother graciously laughed. “May I don’t remember you telling me, but we are not busy this week. You are welcome to come.”

That is July in a nutshell. CRAZY busy and I MUST make wise use of my time.

But in the midst of the busy Jesus has been whispering to my soul.

“Come to me.”

Come and sit with me. Ask me to help you, trust me to equip you, and know when you serve me I am there working all things out the way I planned.

“I will give you rest.”

All these things you need to do, I have sovereignly planned. Remember you cannot ruin my plan by your imperfect attempts at doing things.

“Take my yoke upon you.”

Don’t make impossible demands on yourself. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Only take upon yourself what I have for you to do.

“…and learn from Me.”

Accept who I made you to be and allow me to refine your gifts and weaknesses as I see fit. Don’t compare your efforts, your strengths, or your weaknesses to anyone else.

“…I am gentle and lowly in heart.”

I am not out to strike you down if you don’t live up to some standard in your head. You will fail, but there is no condemnation. I will forgive you, just follow me.

“…and you WILL find rest for your soul…”

Rest is here for you. A deep abiding rest when you rest in Me – in My sovereign plan, in the work I have for you to do, and in the time I give you to do it. Trust Me with the results, rest in My plan, and do what I have freed you to do.