Finding Rest Through Surrender

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) “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.”

Devotional

We all carry burdens. Whether it’s the weight of responsibilities, fears, or personal struggles, we often feel overwhelmed by what life places on our shoulders. Jesus offers us an invitation in Matthew 11:28-30—a call to lay down our heavy burdens and take on His yoke, which He promises is easy and light. It is an invitation to surrender.

Surrender can be difficult because it requires us to let go of control and trust God with the things we hold tightly. We often think that we can manage everything independently if we try hard enough or plan well enough. But the truth is, we were never meant to carry the world’s weight. Jesus doesn’t ask us to figure everything out or bear the load ourselves. Instead, He invites us to come to Him and find rest.

When Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you,” He offers us a partnership. In ancient times, a yoke would bind two animals, enabling them to share the weight and work together. In the same way, Jesus invites us to yoke ourselves to Him, allowing Him to share our burdens and guide us with His wisdom and strength. It’s not that our problems disappear, but we no longer carry them alone.

True peace comes when we surrender our burdens to God and trust that He is big enough to handle them. When we stop striving and rest in His presence, we experience the peace that surpasses understanding. Surrender isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of faith. It’s believing that God’s way is better than ours and trusting that He has a plan for every aspect of our lives.

If you’ve felt weary and burdened, Jesus calls you to lay those things at His feet. Let go of your need to control the outcome, and trust that He will give you the strength and peace you need each day.

Action Step

Take a moment to write down a specific burden or worry you’ve been carrying. Then, spend some time in prayer, releasing it to God. Visualize yourself placing that burden in Jesus’ hands, trusting Him to care for it. Afterward, place that note somewhere visible to remind you that God is carrying it for you.

Throughout the day, whenever you feel that burden weighing on you, pause and pray, reaffirming your surrender and reminding yourself that God is in control.

Prayer

I come to You today with my burdens, knowing that You are strong enough to carry them for me. I surrender my worries, fears, and struggles to You, trusting that You will give me rest. Teach me to take Your yoke upon me and to trust in Your guidance and strength. Thank You for offering me peace during my challenges. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Supplemental Resource

Book Recommendation: “The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath” by Mark Buchanan
This book explores how embracing the Sabbath principle and surrendering to God’s rhythm of rest can restore your soul. It’s a refreshing reminder that rest and peace are found in surrendering to God’s timing and control.

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Worship Song Recommendation: “I Surrender” by Hillsong Worship
This song beautifully expresses the heart of surrendering to God’s will and letting go of our burdens. As you listen, allow the lyrics to guide you into a deeper place of trust and peace in God’s presence.

It begins with Christ!

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Blessings,

Chad 

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