Finding True Rest for Your Soul

Episode 25 - When you think of finding rest, what comes to mind? Completely unplugging from everything? While that might be useful from time to time, consider with me today that there might be a more lasting version of rest that is available to us.

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Speaker 1 0:03

Hello, everybody. Welcome to the Dona Watson Show. I'm your host, Dona Watson. I'm just an average American Patriot who loves God, her family, her country. I try really hard to listen to God's voice. Sometimes I write stuff. Come with me, together let's explore this crazy experience we call life. Welcome to the show.

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Hello, hello everybody. Welcome to podcast 25: "Finding True Rest for Your Soul." When you think of finding rest, what comes to mind? Do you dream of completely unplugging from all responsibilities? Granted, some of us need to do just that. But I'd like to encourage you to consider a different, more lasting version of rest. In Matthew 11:29-30, Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Speaker 1 1:29

I found this example yesterday morning in my Daily Insights devotional that I want to share with you. Often when a pair of oxen are hitched together to pull a wagon, an older mature ox will be paired with a younger one that's still learning his job. And in this case, the mature ox does most of the work, most of the pulling, while the younger, less experienced ox is left to figure out how to match the older one's effort. This is exactly the scenario that Jesus was painting when he spoke these words that I just read. When we follow Christ's example and heed his words, he does the heavy lifting. We just have to try to catch up. That's what he was trying to tell us. Many of us have grown tired trying to pull our own wagon, or we haven't yet learned how to pull in tandem with Christ. And that can be exhausting. So I encourage you today to open your Bible, find the words of Christ. Find the red letters. Follow along with the directions he gave us. Don't waste your energy, spinning your wheels, trying to figure out your own code. Jesus left us lots of guidance and its recorded in the Bible for us to read: be kind to your enemies, treat others the way you want to be treated. Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you, don't judge others, don't condemn others, be forgiving and generous. Luke 6:38 says, "For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." When we trust in God and foster this Christ-like example that Jesus gave us, when we offer peace to others, God offers that same peace back to us. And it's there that our souls find rest. This is just a very brief thought today, but if adopted it can have long-reaching implications in your life. Be kind to others, rely on God's word, and find a deep peace that will bring rest to your souls. This has been really short and it's all I have for you today, but it's a really important word. So until next time remember guys, remember, God loves you and I do too. Take care. Bye!