I meet many people today who have burdened hearts. In fact, I am often one of them. The cares and corners we carry around, the failures that lurk in our backgrounds, the regrets we have or the present challenges we face all conspire to burden our hearts and weigh us down. Even as you hear this, I am sure your own struggles and burdens come to your mind.
There are 89 chapters in the four gospels but only one place where Jesus explicitly tells us about His own heart. And what He says about His own heart has a direct connection to our own burdened hearts. His explanation of His heart is found in Matthew 11:29-30.
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.
Did you see what Jesus says about His heart? “I am gentle and humble in heart.” These are two characteristics of Christ’s heart that we don’t often think about. The word gentle describes a savior who is kind, compassionate, understanding and gentle in his dealings with us. He will never hurt us or treat us badly. He is a God of mercy and grace for all who approach Him.
The word humble or lowly means that He is always accessible to us. Think of the adjectives that describe God like holiness and righteousness and there are many more. Here is the God of the universe saying to us, You can approach me at any time with any issue because my heart is a heart of humility. Gentleness is who God is. Humble is who God is. It is what makes it so inviting to come to him with our burdened hearts.
And what does He do for our hearts? He gives us rest as we allow Him to carry the burdens that we cannot carry. He invites us into a life of obedience so that we literally find rest for our souls. And because of his gentleness and humility, His yoke is easy and His burden is light. In fact, He loves to reach out and embrace, to heal and lift up the most broken people, the most broken life and come alongside those who carry around loads of pain. His gentleness and humility brings healing and rest for our souls.
Where do you need rest for your soul today? Would you simply come into the presence of the most loving and gentle God and ask Him to give you rest? He will. It is His promise and it is His desire to heal your wounds, carry your burdens, lighten your heart and give your soul rest.
