Hurting is too mild a word to describe what Laura was feeling today. The whining kids, the mounting bills, and a stressful job had drained Laura physically and left her emotionally dry. She desperately wanted to cry, but all she felt was numb. There was really no one to talk to, most of her friends didn't seem to understand. Laura suddenly felt hopeless and very alone.
Have you ever felt like Laura? The circumstances of your life have come crashing down on you like a giant wave and you feel as if you are drowning. You worry that you won't be able to make it through one more night. You wonder, "Is there any hope for me?'
Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus said," Come unto 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 will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Let me give you three reasons why countless hurting people throughout the ages have put Jesus' claim to the test and found rest and hope in Him.
When you are hurting, the last thing you need to hear from someone who has never experienced your pain is, "Just be positive. Things will get better." Wouldn't you rather have someone to lean on who understands the depth and the reality of your pain? Jesus can be that someone because he experienced all the pain and agony that life can bring. Jesus wept in grief over the death of a close friend. He felt the sting of rejection as his loved ones deserted him at the lowest point of his life. Searing agony filled his body as he was nailed to and slowly died on a cross. Whatever you are feeling, Jesus understands like no one else can.
Have you ever been in or seen a boat during a raging storm? The wind howls, the waves crash, and the boat seems destined to sink. You might be thinking, "That sounds like my life. " How do you pray when the storms of life are raging? Do you scream out, "God, please stop this storm!"? I know I do. The darker the storm the louder I scream. Jesus cares about the storms we are facing, yet he knows that our deepest need is to find rest even in the midst of the storms. Jesus and his disciples were once caught in such a violent storm at sea that his terrified disciples had given up all hope of survival. Jesus, however was sound asleep. Wouldn't you like that kind of rest? Jesus' rest far surpasses any fleeting sense of relief found in the funniest television show, the coldest beer or the most relaxing vacation.
Have you ever been "yoked" to something? You probably have never been bound to a wooden yoke like an ox or a slave. However, you may be in bondage to the very things you thought would give you rest. Instead of bringing rest, they have become a heavy burden. Jesus claimed that his load is easy and his burden is light. Why? Because Jesus can do for you what you cannot do for yourself. You may be so weary that you only have the strength to whisper the name "Jesus." That is enough! He has the power to supernaturally touch you and give you his strength and rest.
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