“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

 Matthew 11:28-30

I love this translation of Matthew. It is from the Message, and resonates with me deeply at this time of year. Many times, as we begin to prepare our hearts and minds for Lent, we focus on the sacrifice. What will we give up? How difficult will it be? Will I be able to do it? And maybe, the Holy Spirit is leading us to such an experience much like He did with Jesus.

But sometimes, I think we might impose “hardships” on ourselves just because. That is what we are supposed to do, right? Aren’t we called to share in the sacrifice of our Savior?

Sometimes we may not even ask the Lord what He would have us do during this time. I believe that Lent is a time of soul searching and seeking after His presence. And yes, sometimes it requires dramatic means to get there.

But there are other times that Jesus just wants us to rest in His presence. Maybe you have had a stressful year. Maybe you have been carrying a burden for a long time, and His choice for you would be to lay that burden down and be at peace.

For some of us, “picking up our cross” is exactly what we need today. For others, laying it aside and learning to trust our Savior is the journey to which we are being called.

Maybe, for some of us, the choice to rest and allow Jesus to minister to us is a great sacrifice. Letting go of worry, guilt, or frustration can be just as difficult as forgoing the good things in life. It requires a daily decision. It requires a commitment of heart and mind to the sovereignty of Christ. It requires continual prayer.

It is worth the contemplation isn’t it? To spend some time asking Him where He would like to take us during this season? May your prayers be deep today friends. And may your hearts be open to the path He has specifically for you.

Shalom brothers and sisters.

Heavenly Lord,

Where will You take me on this journey? My soul is in need of resurrection. What am I to do, or be, in order to get closer to You? My heart is open to Your leading Holy Spirit. Introduce me to Your unforced rhythms of grace.

 In my Savior’s name I pray,

Amen