Overcome Weariness in the Trials of Life a 4-Day Devotional by Melanie NorrisSýnishorn

Connect with the Lord

“I’m tired! I can’t do this anymore!”

These are words I spoke in frustration after feeling overcome by the demands and adversities of life. Years passed, but my circumstances were not changing, even though I had made repeated attempts to improve things. I felt hopeless. I was worn out from trying. I had become downright weary. My heart longed for Jesus to come and relieve me of the heaviness I felt because of the pressures I faced. Can you relate?

Are you dealing with a wayward or strong-willed child? A troubled marriage? A health crisis? A financial difficulty? A complicated relationship? Or some other situation beyond your control?

Have you reached the point of exhaustion, feeling overwhelmed by your circumstances and defeated by your efforts to change them? What if I told you that it’s possible to experience relief from your pressures and rest for your weary soul?

Well, it is!

In Matthew 11:28-30 (CSB), Jesus extends an invitation to those tired and weighed down from managing heavy burdens. He says,

“Come to me, all of you, who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Jesus offers His yoke as a support system in His invitation to come. Herein lies the antidote for a weary soul. Let’s explore this concept further.

During Jesus’ time on the earth, a yoke was typically used to harness two animals (such as oxen) together while they carried a load or plowed a field. It was also used as a training instrument to mature younger animals as they shared the burden of the work with more experienced animals. Sharing the load with one stronger lightened the responsibility of the weaker.

Similarly, that is what Jesus’ yoke does for us! His yoke is specially fit to help us navigate our circumstances so that they become manageable and less burdensome. As the strong One, He shares our load so that we have the strength to endure.

When we connect (or yoke up) with Jesus through His Word and prayer, we receive His guidance and wisdom on handling our situations. He teaches us with kindness and understanding, as One who is sensitive to the condition and needs of our weary souls (Hebrews 4:15). He does not always rescue us from our trials (John 16:33), but He will exchange our weariness for His rest.

However, we cannot experience the rest our souls so desperately desire until we come to Him, accept His yoke, and learn from Him.

Will you accept His invitation to overcome weariness by exchanging your efforts for His yoke?

Ask yourself:
- What situation am I trying to control the outcome of, and what is preventing me from coming to Jesus?
- How can connecting with Him by accepting His yoke eliminate the burden I feel?

Respond in Prayer

Father in Heaven, I am at the end of my rope. I’m worn down and burned out from the cares of life, and my soul longs for rest. Help me to accept Jesus’ invitation by coming to Him, taking up His yoke, and following Him. Show me how to handle my situation through the truth of Your Word. Then, help me to exchange my way of doing life with Yours so that I may experience rest for my weary soul. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.