TestamentSample

COME CLOSE, COME NEAR, COME NOW

Are you feeling weary today? I love Matthew 11:28: “Come unto me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

The word come in the phrase “come unto me” is from the Greek word duete, and it literally means come: “come close, come near, come now, I am inviting you to come!” It’s the heaven exchange, trading chaos for peace, weakness for strength, heartache for joy. As Isaiah 61:3 tells us, God promises “a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit.” Literally miraculous!

The Greek word behind labour is kopiao, and it describes a person who has become completely exhausted due to non-stop, continuous work. And here we have Jesus, beckoning every person who feels like this to come to Him and find rest.

Jesus calls not just the hard worker but anyone carrying a very heavy load. And most times, these loads are not physical, but emotional. Emotional heaviness is a critical load. This is the load that weighs our souls down to a place where it can seem to some that their only options are drastic ones.

The phrase “give you rest” comes from the Greek word anapauo, which means “to refresh or rejuvenate.” Without this type of rest that replenishes, our souls become so tired. This is when we can find ourselves making foolish or hasty decisions, decisions that will affect many more people than just ourselves.

Learning to rest in God’s presence and providence is more “letting go” than “trying hard.” It’s about learning to release what is in your hand and trust in the character of God.

Jesus doesn’t force Himself into our sphere. He always waits to be welcomed. That’s why deliberately leaning into our God is such a worshipful response to Him. It’s all about our heart being open toward Him. And in that place of surrender, we hear Him speak, and He fuels us for yet another day.

Lord, You are so good to want us to rest in You. Today I want to trade chaos for peace, weakness for strength, heartache for joy. Help me to let go instead of trying so hard. Amen.