Day 1, LOve that strengthens the weary

      When I woke up this morning a word that came to my mind was weary. Most recently due to work, family and church I've found myself burned out. I have become weary. Weary seems to categorize a type of tired that our physical being cannot seem to touch. Weary is so much more than a lack of sleep or coffee. I believe that weary is a soul tired and hard to be restored from. Perhaps you're reading this and you too are weary, we are in good hands. In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus says, 

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry.” 
(NET Bible First Edition) 

    Prior to these words Jesus was trying to encourage a hard hearted people to change their ways. He beckoned them to follow Him but alas they appeared stubborn to the call. Sometimes in our lives we can grow weary in trying to change the world around us or even the people in our lives. When we pour out our love, time and energy into those who do not hear us we can become weary. All poured out we stand with our hands empty and souls tired. But Jesus says that His Yoke is easy. According to the NET Bible notes, 

“A yoke is a wooden bar or frame that joins two animals like oxen or horses so that they can pull a wagon, plow, etc., together.” (NET Bible First Edition (with notes)

    If a Yoke is meant to be shared and Jesus says His is easy, then that means He is the one who bares it beside us. When we are weary, just need to look beside us. Jesus is beside us, He is in our hearts, surrounding us and He is the hands and feet of believers around us. May we find the rest that He promises for our souls. May we ask Him for rest now on this day. 


Devotion Questions: 

• In what areas of your life do you see weariness? How does it affect your Christian walk? 
• In the past what things have renewed your spirit? 
• What other scriptures talk about being weary or tired? 
• Today practice one soul renewing activity (prayer, meditation, walking, reading etc.) 

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