When we talk about rest, we often think about being physically tired and resting our bodies. But our minds need rest too. The Message paraphrases Jesus’ words in Matthew 11 this way: ‘I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly’ (v.28-30 MSG). Notice the words, ‘I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.’ It’s good to know that we don’t have to worry about figuring everything out by ourselves or carrying burdens in our lives. It can actually be quite refreshing to realise that we don’t need to know everything about everything. We need to get comfortable saying, ‘I don’t know the answer to this problem, but I’ll try not to worry about it because God’s in control, and I trust Him. I’m going to relax in Him and “live freely and lightly.”’ We might not find it easy to hand our problems over to God and wait for Him to show us the answer. We prefer to be the one in control, and trusting another, even if it’s God, can feel daunting. But when we’re struggling, overthinking, and overburdened with cares and worries, we need a mental and emotional break. Our minds need a rest from constant problem-solving, and our emotions need to rest from being upset. Worry robs us of rest and its benefits. So whenever we find ourselves worried and anxious, let’s try to remember that we can ‘live freely and lightly’ by resting in the assurance of God’s love, provision, and guidance.

What Now?

Try to take a ‘mental rest’ today. Tell God at the beginning of the day about any problems or worries that are playing on your mind, then ask Him to help you hand them over completely to Him.