Matthew 11:28-30

Jim Lowe reflects on how Jesus helps us when we are stressed.

A yoke was something that was used for animals in Jesus' day. It was a wooden beam used to attach a plough to an animal, like an ox, or a donkey. The yoke needs to fit comfortably, because the more comfortable the fit, the more work the animal would do.

It can be hard work for an animal, so what the famers often did, was they tied, or yoked, a young 'learner' animal to a more experienced animal to help it learn. It trained the young animal and helped it with the heavy load.

Jesus is saying that when you are struggling, working hard and getting stressed, He isn't the person demanding you work harder. He's the one standing next to you, helping you carry your burdens. He's the experienced partner, helping train you to take the strain.

When we get stressed, it's so easy to think that we are all alone. It's so easy to think, "If only God would....."

But Jesus is saying, "Come to me all you who are stressed, burdened, struggling, I want to help you."

He may not take your problem away, but He will help you carry your burdens. He won't abandon you; He will help you to cope with them and work through it until you are strong enough to take the strain, or you've overcome the obstacle.

So, I can admit to being stressed from time to time, but I am learning to accept Jesus' offer and come to Him for rest; to make Him my first call when I need help.

What will you do?