Rest is one of my favorite things but also one of the hardest for me to do. I have been known to say, “I will rest when I’m dead.” I know this way of living is not sustainable, yet I turn to it during busy seasons. As difficult as learning to rest has been, I know life is better when resting with God.

Depending on the season, rest looks and means different things to different people. Some will associate rest with physical rest—and yes, this is needed—but as followers of Christ, we are offered more. We have the opportunity for a rest that lasts. This kind of rest comes not from ceasing but from yoking up with Jesus. Matthew 11:28-30 says, “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.”

Yoke Up With Jesus

God is not asking you to completely stop but to co-labor with him. When we do this, he assists and guides us. A yoke forces you to go the same direction and speed. When we choose our own path and at our own speed, we unyoke from Jesus. But here’s the good news: we don’t have to stop the things we care about most. As I yoke with the Father, he lets me rest when I need it and encourages me to work when I need to. True rest, as a Christian, comes when we yoke up with the Father and give Him our burdens.

The yoke also leads to a stronger relationship with God. Think about the relationships you have formed with coworkers or those you volunteer with. They were formed over a shared task. If you go through every task with the Father, you will strengthen your relationship with Him. This teaches you to hear His voice and the unique way He speaks to you. When you pick up His yoke, you are closer to Him and His voice is clearer. Spend time thinking about what areas of your life are not yoked up with the Father. Over COVID, we had a lot of time to rest, but many of us did not use it to rest.

As we enter back into a busier time, I try to hold on to how much time I would spend with God when I had more time to do so. Making time to start my day with giving time to God through reading and worship. I also get outside more to enjoy what God created—even if it’s physically tiring, it can be spiritually restful.

Spend some time with the Lord. This is the best way to learn how to co-labor with God and carry the weight God has called you to. Remember, his yoke is easy and his burden is light.

I shared a spoken version of the post with College@12stone if you would like to hear watch below.