God’s Provisions:
Provisions for Rest – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 11:29-30

Key Verse: Matthew 11:28

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Jesus knew that an essential need for all of His followers was rest.  Some of His followers were burdened down with years of Mosaic Law.  They had been laboring for years trying to observe the laws of Moses and become pleasing to God.  Some of His followers were burdened down by a long life of sinful living.  The guilt of their past wore heavy on them.  Some of His followers faced persecution and heavy temptations.  The evil one was relentless, as he is today, to destroy the faith of Christ followers.

            Jesus says to all His followers, “come” and find rest for your soul.  The Greek word Jesus used for “soul” is “psuche,” which refers to the seat of the feelings, desires, and affections of a living being.  It is the inner being of a person which can be at ease or in great turmoil no matter what the exterior of that person looks like.  You can meet someone that is seemingly all smiles, but their “psuche” may be in great turmoil.  As we go through our day, doing the routing work of our lives, worry and stress can be slowly wearing us down.

            Jesus said He came to give His followers abundant life, and tired and troubled “psuche” does not fit.  Jesus invites us to come—believe on Him—trust His words and rely on His promise.  Rest for our souls is promised.  (Continued)

Father, at times I struggle with a troubled soul—worried over important issues of my life.  I seek you and your rest for today.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.