I'm doing a Beth Moore Bible study right now, Breaking Free. I'm only about halfway through, but I'm really wanting it to stick, so I'm trying to really focus on it and figure out exactly what I need to learn from it, and changes I need to make in my life.
This week, one of the things she hit on in the homework was that there are blessings that come from obedience to God. That sounds great, and even makes sense, but what exactly does obedience to God mean? I've been a Christian for a long, long time, so I know what "spiritual disciplines" are, but I'm at a place in my life where I long for *relationship* and I'm struggling a bit with *religion*. I'm pretty good at filling in my checklist and holding it up like a report card to show that I'm doing well. Great, but what is the point if my heart isn't in it? I KNOW the Lord can speak to me even if I'm half heartedly reading my Bible, but I want more than that. I really want to WANT TO, if that makes sense; not just for my checklist, but for my heart.
Okay, so those are the thoughts that were rolling around in my mind as I went into Bible study.
We got started, and she immediately took us to Matthew 11:28-30.
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.
I don't know if these verses do to you what they do to me. For me, every time I read them, there is a sigh of relief and a feeling of a weight being lifted off of my shoulders. The whole theme of this lesson was rest. You may have noticed that I am a person who puts a lot of pressure on myself, and likely on those around me as well. It's difficult to rest because there's always something that needs to be done. One phrase Beth Moore said has just kind of screamed at me: the captivity of activity. Oh yes. That is where my struggle is.
There is more to this, but this is enough for now. I'll add to it later this week, after I've done a little more processing. I just wanted you to start the week as I am, with a sigh of relief and a weight lifted off of your shoulders.
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.
4 comments:
I needed that this morning Mel! I was sitting here typing the revised Am Lit sched(because we are behind) and daydreaming as to how we are going to get our parade float finished in 4 weeks,that the musical will be the message it needs to be, will my child remember his solo competition this weekend, etc,etc. You and His word have lightened the load. Thanks!
I'll be lifting you up as you draw closer to the truth you are seeking. There is fabulous rest in the arms of our savior. Enjoying that peace and rest is the most wonderful feelings... the difficult part is learning to LIVE in that peace and rest. I keep hopping out of his lap!
Thanks for sharing what's on your heart. You are a blessing.
((big hugs))
I am just sitting in awe of your post. *Speechless* :)
Blessings!
Thank you for the reminder to rest in Him. It is so easy to fill our schedule and get all crazed with STUFF to do and leave out time with THE ONE who can help us bare our load. Praying for you..thanks for sharing your heart.
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