“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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
How do I describe the immediate relief I feel inside my heart, my mind and my soul the moment I read these words? The relief is so immediate, the sensation of instantaneous release so complete, that the gratitude of it makes me want to weep.
Sometimes the burdens of life feel so heavy, so real, so present, that I behold them with a fixed gaze, overwhelmed by their impossibility, forgetting that I am able to quickly and altogether hand them over. How foolish am I that I do not turn to Jesus to relieve the burdens but more often choose to bear the ponderous weight—needlessly… And why? Do I feel that by some means I am able to fix or control my misfortunes?
Let it be clear, however, Jesus offers relief in the burden not the yoke. We will all be led by a yoke, but will it be by a yoke of slavery laden with the burden of sin—worry, doubt and fear—or by the yoke of Christ who offers love, forgiveness and hope? He extends it willingly, to be traded permanently—not to be traded back someday when we fear our circumstances but forever.
Today, trade your yoke, and let your burden be light.
–Katie Botello
