April 29

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, 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 shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.

It seems ironic that the Lord would have us find rest by seeking a yoke. Outwardly it would seem to be a place of heavy labor. Yet I have discovered that the heavy work is of my own doing. How often I become weary, and I can only conclude that I am pulling and tugging against the yoke that I share with Jesus. Yes, He alone understands the path that we share in this life. His yoke fits me perfectly, and if I would just allow Him to take the lead all would be smooth and easy.

Can you imagine finding rest for your soul as you walk in the yoke with Jesus? I believe that will happen if we just focus on Him. The yoke is not our point of focus. Instead we can just sense that He is showing us His view of the path, His view of the persons we meet, and His graceful way of facing life. If I become totally occupied with Him I will not notice the yoke.

But that is not to say that the yoke is not needed. I believe that the Holy Spirit represents the yoke that binds us to Christ. Every once in awhile, or should I say all too often, I start to go in the wrong direction. Immediately I feel the gentle tug of the Holy Spirit that says, “He is going another way-- follow Him.”

Father, as we walk together today, teach me to let Jesus be the master of the yoke. I give all praise to You. Amen.
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