Scripture: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Examination: This chapter has three key issues to which Jesus speaks. The first centers on the ministry of John the Baptist. The second, Jesus warns of the punishment to come to those who have not accepted Him for who He is. Lastly, near the end of this chapter, He reminds His followers that what He is asking of them will be possible, and that they will find relief in coming to Him.
Application: When my son was a little boy, he would often come in after a full day of playing with his friends and cuddle up next to me. It didn’t matter if I was watching a television show, reading a book, or chatting with my husband, my son would wiggle as close as he could to me and lay his head on my shoulder or lap. I would pull him a bit closer and hold onto him as he rested himself against me. I loved those moments of togetherness.
There are many times in my life when I need to snuggle closer to my Saviour. Sometimes the challenges and struggles I face are overwhelming, and I need to experience the nearness of God to me; I need the reassurance that He is with me and will help me through whatever is happening. James 4:8 explains how to become closer to God. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”
How do I do this? To get close to anyone, it is imperative to spend time together! Share yourself, your hopes, your fears, your thoughts. When we open ourselves up… even becoming a bit vulnerable… it cultivates a stronger emotional bond and creates intimacy. To become closer to God, we must spend time with Him. This is done in two ways.
First, know who He is by getting into the Scriptures. This is His Word that He gave to us, so we could know Him. 2 Corinthians 4:6 states, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” Jesus is the Word of God as explained in John 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” By reading the Bible, we learn of God’s identity and deep love for us from Genesis to Revelation.
Second, we must make time to talk with God. The Bible clearly shows how much God desires to hear from us. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 commands us, “Pray without ceasing.” Philippians 4:6-7 explains the rest that God will provide when we draw near to Him, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Resting in Him, being held in His embrace fills me with an unexplainable peace… the Bible calls it, “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). Resting in His unending love, I can breathe once more as my anxieties and troubles fade. I know the problems are still present, whether they be health issues, financial upsets, relationship concerns, or a myriad of other issues that come with life, but I know I can trust my Father to handle them all, and in that, I experience His perfect love and peace.
Memory Verse: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27
I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice, and it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith, and be closer drawn to Thee.
Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to Thy precious, bleeding side.
There are depths of love that I cannot know till I cross the narrow sea;
There are heights of joy that I may not reach till I rest in peace with Thee.
Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to Thy precious, bleeding side.
(from “Draw Me Nearer” by Fanny Crosby)