As a Christian there are times our hearts are heavy with concerns, situations and circumstances. Our hearts become troubled because of certain happenings that make life looks so difficult. This happenings is not only limited to Believers in Christ but as well to unbelievers. Because, we have Jesus Christ and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, there is assurance and security for us in time of trouble according to Psalm 55:22. 1Peter5:7. Psalm 50:15. For who do not believe, there is need to confess Jesus Christ, accept Him as your Lord and Savior. Romans 10:9-10, so that in time of trouble Jesus can embrace you. John 6: 37.
The Heavy Laden
Mathew 11 : 28 – 30
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and burden is light”
Labour:
In this context, it can be referred to as efforts, amount of strength put into a work, especially hard physical work, struggle, toiling. 1Timothy 5:17-18. 1corinthians 15:58 A great effort in service deserves a reward.
Heavy Laden:
Carrying a load or burden, troubled, worried, distressed, failure, weighed down, encumbrances. 1 Samuel 1:3-8 Hannah and Elkannah were troubled at heart because they did not have a child. John 5:5-8 The man at the pool of Bethesda had been troubled for years because no one was ready to assist him into the pool until the day he met Jesus. Psalm 55:22 says cast your burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Rest
Regaining strength, recover from lost, healing, comfort. It also means to relax. In Genesis 2:2 God rested at the Seventh day after He had finished the work of creation. He relaxed to look at His work and it was good.
Joshua 1:13-15, 23:1 The tribes of Israel after all the bickering, disappointed, disobedience, anger, great efforts and wandering in the wilderness for forty years, they enjoyed God’s gift of rest, Israelites settled in the promised land of Canaan that flowed with milk and honey. It was called the Resting Place. Psalm 50:15.
Therefore, the rest mentioned by Jesus Christ is referred to security, peace and comfort, which are available to be enjoyed. It flows with a right relationship with God. It gives from anxiety and disturbance. Isaiah 26:3, Roman 5:1, John 14:27.
Jesus Christ yoke (Terms and Conditions)
A yoke in real term is an instrument made of wood, hand carved to fit the neck of the animal (usually two, an old and a younger one) to prevent pain or discomfort while the animal is being put to work in the farm. Yoke is metaphorically being used by the ancient culture to describe submission.
Basically the condition to find rest in Christ is to be yoked to Jesus. Accept the free gift of eternal life Roman 6:23,
- To surrender our lives totally. Psalm 119 :2-3
- Trust and Obedience to the Gospel Jesus
- Total repentance from sin. Act 16: (The Prisoner, Paul and Silas) 1John 1:9
- Faith. Hebrew 11:6, Luke 1:37
- Commitment. Roman 12:2, Mathew 22:37, 2Timothy 2:15
- Humility
Learn of me
Jesus yoke is light because it is the yoke of repentance from sin and faith. It requires only commitment. He is ready to disciple whoever is willing to follow, carry their burdens and troubles to give peace and rest of mind.
Conclusion (Some reasons why your heart is heavy laden)
- Disappointments
- Delay in expectations
- Disobedience to the word of God
- Health Status
- Held bondage by the yoke of sin which is deceitful. (Social vices)
What to do
- Restitution. , Mathew 5:23-24, Colossians 3:13-14
- Total Repentance. Act 3:19 2Chronicles 30:9b
Good news: There is a place of rest. 1Peter 5:6-7, Philippians 4:19
