New Year's Rest in God Alone

During the Christmas holidays I received with gratitude many cards wishing me prosperity and peace for the New Year. Not one of the cards issued any warning such as, “Bob, there is trouble ahead for you in 2009” - unlikely words to be found in a holiday greeting card.

Thankfully, Jesus is more direct. He told me, “…In this world you will have trouble…” (John 16:33) Now that is not mincing words!! But mercifully, Jesus has also given me the solution.

“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.”                         (Matthew 11:28-29 NIV) 

Jesus did not say He would miraculously take away all my problems. He said if I choose to yoke myself to Him and learn His ways I will find rest for my soul. Sounds like the disciplined work of learning and surrender to the Great Teacher…not the easy miracle I desire. In reality I want to find rest in the miraculous elimination of the problem while Jesus offers rest in Him and Him alone.

I am guessing there are troubles waiting for us in 2009. Will you join me in learning from Jesus His ways so that we might have rest for our souls?

My soul finds rest in God alone. (Psalm 62: 1 NIV) 
 

Sharing the journey with you,