The Contented Life Daily DevotionalSýnishorn

Find Rest In Him

Contentment is a rare state for many. When you began this daily devotional, you may have found yourself discontent and restless. But as a follower of Christ, you are called to rest in Him by taking Jesus' yoke upon yourself and learning from Him.

A yoke is a wooden frame placed on two animals (usually oxen) to pull heavy loads or plow the soil. This term also metaphorically symbolizes a person's obligation or responsibility to another. It is also a common metaphor for the law in Judaism. The scribes and Pharisees "bind heavy burdens hard to bear and lay them on men's shoulders, but they themselves will not move them with their finger" (Matthew 23:4). Jesus came to lessen our burden by removing the weight of the law, sin, shame, guilt, and the wrath of God (John 3:36).

The Apostle Paul taught the Galatian church that "if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law" (Gal. 5:18) and that "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the [Mosaic] law" (Gal. 3:13). Jesus fulfilled the law and the prophets, achieving what the law could not—replacing a heart of stone with a heart of flesh that beats for God.

A supernaturally softened heart willingly takes Jesus' yoke and follows His commands. This is a sign of submission to the will of God the Father, serving Jesus Christ the Son (John 12:26). Jesus is gentle and humble in heart, offering rest to all who come to Him. He calls His disciples to learn from Him.

Contentment arises from resting in Christ's finished work on the cross and learning at the Master's feet how to walk in gentleness and humility. I have a question for you to consider today: Are you dedicating enough time to learn from Jesus?

Like the Apostle Paul, we are called to learn the secret of contentment in all circumstances, for our trust is in a sovereign Savior whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light.

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By: Fari Maghami