I believe most of us at one time or another would face problems related to work, tiresome relationship problems, marital problems, uncertainties about the future, health problems, etc. I had my fair share too and there were times when I did not quite know how to solve them. But I thank God because when I bring my burdens to the Lord in prayer, my heart’s burden is lifted and I find rest in my heart, a rest that is an all surpassing peace. This is what Jesus promises you too: “Come to me, all who labour 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” (Mat 11:28-30). It is important that you understand that there are several things you must do before you experience that all surpassing peace.

Come

Jesus says, “Come.” You must be willing to come to Jesus for help. Some are not willing to look to Jesus because they think it is impractical. It is more realistic, so they say, to get a doctor or a lawyer or get someone to lend you some money. I am not saying that you do none of these things. What I mean is it is the all wise and mighty God who alone can direct you to the right person or even to means that never crossed your mind.

Obey

Second, Jesus asks you to “Take my yoke upon you.” This comes as a surprise because a yoke is a burden. It is something that the ox wears around its neck to help it plough the field. The “yoke” refers to Jesus’ commandments—you must be willing to obey Jesus’ direction and commandments. But how can obedience bring rest as obedience requires a person to stop doing what he prefers and do another’s bidding? This is just like a child whose playtime has passed into his lunch time and he complains of feeling giddy. He needs to obey his mom and eat his lunch. “But I want to play some more,” the child whines. But when the child stops his play and eats his lunch, he is strengthened and no longer feels giddy. When he returns to his play, he enjoys it better. The child’s burden is lifted because he obeys.

Your Heavenly Father is all wise, He knows what is best for you and because He is love, He always commands you to do only what is best for you. Hence, when you obey Him, taking Jesus’ “yoke” on you, you will find help and rest—rest in your soul. This is what Jesus means when He says “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” And who will find rest? “All who labour and are heavy laden.” The rest is yours, but you must trust Him enough as to obey everything He commands you to do.

Your Response

First, pray. Tell Him your heart’s burden. Ask Him for help and wisdom and above all—mercy. Second, when He directs you to obey what He says in His word, the Bible, do not doubt His wisdom and faithfulness. He always keeps promises. One of the things you must do to find rest is to attend Sunday Worship Service faithfully (how can you not?). Not only is it every Christian’s duty before God, it is rest for your soul.

First, Sunday is also called the Christian Sabbath. Sabbath in Hebrew means rest. The Bible repeatedly reminds God’s children to keep the Sabbath. On this day, you must return to God’s house, His church to worship Him. Here, you will find rest because as you worship Him through the hyms sungs, as you mutually encourage each other through Christian fellowship, and above all, when you listen and obey God’s word that is preached, you will receive blessings and strength, wisdom and encouragement to do what is right before God and that which is good for you soul and life. Then you will find rest. Thus, every child of God must overcome all obstacles to come to church on Sundays.