Pause . . .

Wouldn't you just like to hit the "pause" button on this world? Stop Everything! Breathe. Rejuvenate. Maybe sleep. Do something fun. Visit the city that no longer feels safe.

But as I watch the news, it's disheartening to say the least. Wars and rumors of wars . . . protesting and chaos in the streets . . . fraud . . . drugs rampant . . . trafficking . . . sickness . .. death.

Right has become wrong and wrong has become right. It's as if we are living in the prophetic Biblical Times.

Jesus gave us these words in Matthew 11:28-29; "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."

Friends, this is an invitation to each of us, to Come to Jesus. He knew we would need Him today. So He extends His hands out to us.

Come to me, all who are weary and burdened.

Are you weary? Exhausted from the "pulls" in this life. Are you genuinely weary from seeing one more news show, from hearing one more viewpoint, from speaking one more unsolicited word?

I am. My words fall on deaf ears. My voice tires. I decide to be still. I try to stand for righteousness but am I holding true to God? It's as if I'm trying to defend the Defender.

He doesn't need me. That's my sense as I lean into Him, as I come into His presence.

The promised rest changes the atmosphere. It's a start.

Jesus then advises us to pick up HIS yoke and learn from Him. We open His Word, and pray for understanding. We spend time meditating, pondering, seeking wisdom over every word He gives us. This is what we can do in the "pause." We put ourselves in a position to receive from Him as we pour out to Him.

What might we pour out to Jesus? Everything. Our broken hearts, spoken words, racing minds. He wants all of it. As we let go and leave our disappointments and hurt in His hands, we are trading our weight bearing issues for His rest. It doesn't make sense-rest for chaos. But as we put everything onto His shoulders, we truly find that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. In the rest, He renews our strength. Part of my own testimony relies on an open heart, an open Bible and an open mind. It is in that posture that I find God is present and speaks to my heart.

Won't you join me in the pause? Grab His Word and rest in His presence. It is the safest place to be.

Dear Jesus,

Will you join us in the pause? We give you everything that weighs us down because you have promised us rest. As the world and circumstances seem to spin out of control, we can rest in your presence. We can trust that you hold everything in your hands. You have proven yourself worthy and faithful over the ages. Will you continue to be faithful now? Thank you that the answer is a resounding Yes! For your words are true-you are ever the same. You are the Yes and Amen! Blessed be your name, Lord! In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.