Draw Near

Draw Near:

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

Monday mornings can be difficult. The weekend is over, and it's time to get back to work. The burdens pile back on high, and before you know it, you're burnt out yet again.

In Matthew chapter eleven Jesus tells us to come to Him when we're weighed down by strenuous burdens. He doesn't tell us to work, work, work ourselves into the ground in order to EARN one day of resting.

We are to be still and know that He is God (Psalms 46:10), cast our burdens onto Him because He cares about us (1Peter 5:7), and receive renewed strength (Isaiah 40:31) to more-than-conquer the challenges each day (Romans 8:37).

You might ask, "Well how do I find a place to be still with all this chaotic stress buzzing around me?" This is a good question best answered with Scripture, but then again isn't every question?

"And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”" (Exodus 33:14)

In the Lord's Presence. This is where We find our much needed rest. When we draw near to Him in ultimate intimacy and desperate desire for the heart of God, He hears those heart cries and responds with rest and peace that ONLY He can provide.

"and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)

When we draw near to Him, He also restores joy and gladness to our spirits. God doesn't intend for us to live our lives crushed by tasks that "must be done" and ruled by the ticking clock. He doesn't want us living tired and worn lives. He sees us breaking down under these burdens and it breaks His heart. He desires ultimate and unshakable joy for us, not just when we enter eternal life, but right now here on earth too.

"You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalms 16:11)

"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit." (Psalms 51:12)

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)

It's simple. Draw near to the Lord, and He will fill you with divine joy, hope, and strength. Through Him we're always victorious, so no case of the mundane Monday morning blues can defeat us.

Draw near and desert fear. Abandon your stress, receive joyfulness.

- The Introverted Evangelist