Yoke Up and Rest
The words rest and sleep are frequently used interchangeably; however, they are drastically different. There are medical terms that could clarify the differences and the effects each has on our bodies. Let’s step away from the medical discussion and drift back to scripture for a moment.
First, have you ever awakened feeling worse than when you went to bed? Ever slept 7-10 hours and not felt rested? Why is that?
It’s simple; sleep does not equal rest. Sleep is physical, and rest is spiritual. We need both to maintain a healthy mind, body, and soul.
Rest doesn’t always mean doing nothing. Take a look at the connection Jesus makes.
If you’re weary and burdened, come to me, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and learn from me, and you will find rest for your souls. (Benji’s version of Matthew 11:28-29)
Putting on a yoke doesn’t seem like grabbing a pillow and a blanket and taking a nap…but it does indicate connecting with God. Rest comes when we put away distractions and find a place to connect with Him.
How you connect with Him likely won’t be the same as it is for me or someone else.
For me, solo time in the woods is where I connect, or yoke up, best with Him. My family will tell you I’m a better person after I’ve spent time alone among the trees.
What is it or where is it that you feel most connected to Jesus? Where or what is it that after having been there or done it, you have renewed vision and strength because you’ve met with Jesus?
We are spiritual beings trapped in physical bodies. We need sleep…but more importantly, we need rest. Rest only comes from connecting with Jesus.
Remember Psalm 23, He makes me lie down…He makes me pause from the hustle and bustle…He makes me pull away from everything else to connect with Him…and then He restores my soul.
This is not always easy to do because we feel the pressures of life to connect with others and get stuff done. Sometimes we have to stop, pull away from responsibilities, and connect with Him.
It may take some trial and error to find that place or thing that makes you feel most connected, but it’s worth the effort. Find a way to pull away, remove the distractions, and connect with Him. You will return rested.