Receiving the Refreshment of the LordSample

Day 2-RECOGNIZE

For most of us, finding ourselves feeling overwhelmed by a heavy burden doesn’t happen overnight. In many instances, we don’t even realize that we’ve let the world creep in. Instead, it happens so slowly that we may not recognize the need for refreshment. It’s like the old analogy of cooking the frog slowly and he's dead before he realizes he needs to escape. We are too busy trying to fix “all the things.” We strive to keep ourselves and our families healthy physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We put on our happy faces somehow convinced that’s the only way the world will see Jesus in us. We keep ourselves busy reading the right books, cooking the right foods, figuring out the all the other “right” things. The good news is that God has refreshment already prepared for us and He longs to pour it out for us. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus extends this invitation: "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." The Passion Translation says, “Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.” Doesn’t that sound wonderful? But friends, He won’t force us to accept it. We must choose to receive it. We can keep striving, keep fighting, keep trying to maintain our façade of control. OR, we can RECOGNIZE that we need His refreshment and ACCEPT this lovely gift.

Heavenly Father, we confess that we often get caught up in the distractions and difficulties of this life. Help us to recognize our need for your refreshment, and to trust your goodness as we allow ourselves to receive your beautiful gift.