The Long Sigh (Pt. 3)

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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.” (Matthew 11:25-30 ESV).

 

The second practical revelation that Jesus gives us to capture “The Long Sigh” in our lives is in this little phrase, “Come to me…” (v. 28). As I wrote yesterday, it begins with an intentional trust in the good plan and purpose of God; but, we are required to participate. Jesus will make this even more clearly evident when He uses the image of “taking his yoke” (v. 28).

 

One of the many memorable moments in our trip to Florida is pictured with this devotional. David and I were fishing at the small lake behind his house when I hooked and landed a nice bass. All of the kids were out there watching us fish, but when Maggie saw me reel in this bass she came running and said, “Can I throw him back PeePaw?” Of course I said “yes.” We had to pose for the picture and then back into the lake he went. Afterward Maggie remarked, “We caught a good fish, didn’t we PeePaw?” I laughed and said, “We sure did.”

 

Watch this… I didn’t need to call to her and ask her if she wanted to help me “catch” this fish. She came to me. And, I never would refuse her helping. Our Father is like that. He’s not asking us to labor more. He’s inviting us to come and lesson the burden of the labor He is already doing with us. Somehow we forget the incredible benefit and blessing of being in this journey with Him. He does not separate Himself from our circumstance. The quicker we come alongside Him and do what He is already doing, the quicker we will feel this incredible rest for our souls.

 

Perhaps the best way we can accomplish that is by redirecting our thoughts. We must get past the momentary pain and focus on the ultimate gain of our eternal life. That is not just a “then and there,” but a “here and now” life. I can persevere better when I think about the prize that awaits me at the finish line (cf. Philippians 3:14). That’s how we run without the weariness so pervasive in this sinful world.