Key Scripture
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV)

Reflection

The moment I truly came to Jesus wasn’t dramatic. It was a quiet realization that He had been standing beside me all along—smiling gently, knocking at the door of my heart, waiting for me to open it. I finally stopped running and let myself fall into His fatherly arms.

When I released the burdens I had carried for years—unforgiveness, regret, the weight of responsibility—I felt lighter than air. For the first time, I understood that His rest is not earned but received. I had always taken pride in carrying everything on my own shoulders, but even that strength was His gift. I had simply mistaken it for mine.

Now, I know that the peace I longed for was never far away. Jesus had been there tirelessly, waiting for me to choose Him. His rest isn’t escape from life’s weight—it’s walking with Him while He carries it.

If you think you’ve gone too far or stayed away too long, remember this: no one is too far gone to come home. The Shepherd never forgets His sheep. His arms are still open.

Today’s Steps

• Read Matthew 11:28-30 aloud. Imagine Jesus speaking it directly to you.
• Write down one burden you’ve been carrying and give it to Him in prayer.
• Take five slow breaths, repeating, “Lord, You are my rest.”

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, thank You for waiting for me with such patience and love. I lay every burden at Your feet and receive the rest You freely give. Teach me to walk with You daily, trusting Your gentle heart. Amen.”

Journal Prompt

What burden do you need to release into Jesus’ hands today? How would your life look if you truly believed His arms are always open?