Together - Daily DevotionalSample

Whole-hearted Obedience

Reading: Jer.6:16, Matt.11:28-30

Key Verse: “you will find rest for your souls” verses 16, 29

To be spiritually fit is to be in a place of rest and peace for our souls. Jeremiah explained this state of mental and emotional contentment was available to those who walked in the good ways of God. He contrasts them with people, prophets and priests who were greedy for gain (Jer.6:13).Instead we are not consumed by self interest or concerned about “the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth or the desires for other things” which choke spiritual life(Mark 4:19). This does not mean we lack ambition but our first priority is to “seek first the kingdom of God” and believe that by so doing “all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt.6:33).

Jesus used the same phrase as Jeremiah encouraging those who were weary and burdened to experience His rest. People who were burned out on religion or weighed down with worries could exchange their anxieties for Jesus rest and peace. But for both Jeremiah and Jesus rest was dependant on whole hearted obedience to God. Faith in God is evidenced by obedience to God. The Israelites disobeyed and failed to enter God’s rest (Heb.4:1-11). Let us make every effort to enter God’s rest by taking Jesus yoke.

Prayer: Jesus, I give myself to following You and entering Your rest