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Day 15 – Transition
As we enter a new semester, a new beginning, maybe you are experiencing moments of transitional chaos. You know, the moments when you are trying to make sense of it all and regain a sense of control over the story that is unfolding in your life.
In Matthew, Jesus offers a way to navigate this world. “Come to 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 you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Jesus offers a way of living marked by a lightness. It is a lightness where you breathe in and breathe out and remember the gift of living. It is a lightness that lets go of the comparison games and the need to be perfect. It is a lightness that comforts the spirit and brings peace to the soul.
Three verses earlier, Jesus talks about children. “I thank you, Father, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to the little children” (Mathew 11: 25). There is a freedom present in children. There is a joy, and playfulness, and a sense of security. This childlike-way celebrates the day and lets mom and dad do the heavy lifting for the future. It is almost as if children know they are loved and cared for—and in that knowledge—they let go and simply savor life.
As we start the unknown of the academic year, maybe we can approach this season with a little childlike lightness. Maybe we, even as educated adults, don’t have to have everything figured out. Maybe we don’t need to go through this world dragging the weight (the yoke) of our guilt or shame or strivings or comparisons or what-ifs. Maybe there is a lighter way—a way marked by joy and peace and grace. Jesus doesn’t promise this way will be easy, but He does say it will provide rest for our souls. So today, as we hear the words of Jesus, may we have the courage to embrace His lightness as we navigate this world.
RYAN HOLT
Director, New Student Orientation Programs
As we enter a new semester, a new beginning, maybe you are experiencing moments of transitional chaos. You know, the moments when you are trying to make sense of it all and regain a sense of control over the story that is unfolding in your life.
In Matthew, Jesus offers a way to navigate this world. “Come to 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 you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Jesus offers a way of living marked by a lightness. It is a lightness where you breathe in and breathe out and remember the gift of living. It is a lightness that lets go of the comparison games and the need to be perfect. It is a lightness that comforts the spirit and brings peace to the soul.
Three verses earlier, Jesus talks about children. “I thank you, Father, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to the little children” (Mathew 11: 25). There is a freedom present in children. There is a joy, and playfulness, and a sense of security. This childlike-way celebrates the day and lets mom and dad do the heavy lifting for the future. It is almost as if children know they are loved and cared for—and in that knowledge—they let go and simply savor life.
As we start the unknown of the academic year, maybe we can approach this season with a little childlike lightness. Maybe we, even as educated adults, don’t have to have everything figured out. Maybe we don’t need to go through this world dragging the weight (the yoke) of our guilt or shame or strivings or comparisons or what-ifs. Maybe there is a lighter way—a way marked by joy and peace and grace. Jesus doesn’t promise this way will be easy, but He does say it will provide rest for our souls. So today, as we hear the words of Jesus, may we have the courage to embrace His lightness as we navigate this world.
RYAN HOLT
Director, New Student Orientation Programs
Scripture
About this Plan
This 40-day prayer plan was written by students, faculty and staff at Belmont University as a daily devotional for incoming freshmen. Each day guides and encourages new college students in their faith in Jesus Christ through the word of God and the sincere thoughts, seasoned advice and honest prayers of the contributing authors. May these words help you grow in your love for God and your love for others!
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