picture provided by Traci Matt

You have likely faced the frustration of trying to communicate with someone who won’t look up from his or her connection to the Internet. Maybe you have scheduled a special meal to chat with a friend, or you are trying to enjoy a rainy Sunday afternoon catching up with your teenagers, and you just can’t seem to hold their attention because of the electronic distractions.

Perhaps that is how the Lord feels when we sit down for prayer and Bible reading with not only our smartphones within reach, but our watches in sight, and our worries foremost in our minds. Or when we sit listening to an inspired message on Sunday morning, but can’t keep our thoughts from wandering to the upcoming week’s activities. We wonder why we can’t seem to ever catch our breath.

“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 will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matthew 11: 28-30 (NASB)

Christ gives a simple invitation to the weary: come to me. There are no formulas, no spiritual hoops to jump through, and no deeds to accomplish before you rest in his arms. Just come.

Are you weary? Is your mind so riddled with worry it’s shooting out sideways in the form of physical ailments? Has the burden of your to-do list threatened to shut you completely down mentally and emotionally? Then start with the spiritual! Stop the activity, confess the worry, and climb up on Jesus’ lap for a time of refreshment and rest. The promise is sure–come to him and he will give rest.

If today is a good day, that’s even more reason to focus on the giver of all good things (James 1:17). Thank him and praise him for the joy that comes so easily in these circumstances. Pray even more fervently for your brothers and sisters who are in need.

The creator of the universe enjoys catching up with you. He wants to hear your thoughts and share his with you. He has given you the remedy for burnout, stress-related illness, and spiritual stagnation. He desires to teach and lead you, and provide an abundant, mind-blowing life today and for eternity.

Lord, I confess that I have chosen to put so many things before you. I have let my schedule and worries dictate our relationship.  But I can’t silence the bells and whistles of life on my own. I don’t know how to shut off the distractions that are trapped in my head and heart. I deeply desire rest; I want to be still. I want to spend time with you and learn at your feet. I desire to come to you as a little child, innocent and full of wonder at who you are and how much love you have for me. Draw me to you and teach me to love you more. Amen.

Now put yourself in God’s shoes. Consider all he has done for you, his love for you, and his desire to have a right relationship with you. Write yourself a note from God inviting you to be still before him right now. Use the power of words to remind yourself of the great love waiting to fill those drained, empty places of your soul. Be still.

Stay Connected With Traci Matt

I blog at tracimatt.com (easy to remember, right?). Please connect on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/tracimattjournalist, Twitter https://twitter.com/thetracimatt, G+https://plus.google.com/u/0/+TraciMatt/posts, and Instagram https://instagram.com/thetracimatt/. My books are available at Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Traci-Matt/e/B00HRY72HG/