The Lord can be so sweet to us. Whether we’re in valleys or mountain tops, He is near and active. Just like how a few days ago He reminded me of exactly what truth I needed to hear. And maybe you need to hear it as well . . .
I was in a heavy and emotional conversation when the phrase ‘lighten up’ ran through my mind. Now as someone who easily overthinks, overcommits, overdoes, and overworks herself, this phrase did not surprise me. But it definitely got my attention in such a way that I knew it wasn’t my original thought! So I let my mind wonder and process the phrase ‘lighten up’, realizing it reminded me of that time Jesus talked about our giving Him our heavy burdens and a using the analogy of a yoke . . . book of Matthew maybe . . . chapter 22 or 11 or something like that. ‘I’ll look it up later’ I thought.
The next morning I had to smile through my exhaustion and tears when I saw The Bible Recap’s reading for the day was Matthew 11. I started reading and as a I got to the end of the chapter, I just had to take several deep breaths and read those lines over and over again. Then I dug deeper by reading the same passage in different translations. I’m no Bible scholar – I just enjoy the ease of the Bible App and hopping through translations and notes. Meditating on His word doesn’t have to be complicated. He even uses different translations to get our attention. Like what’s pictured below . . . please read each version of Matthew 11:28-30.
Now reread those last two please . . .
Crazy cool to think that this passage is the only time Jesus just says ‘come to me’. The only time He gives such simple direction is when we’re weary, carrying a heavy burden. Then what does He say?! ‘I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine . . . I’m easy to please.’ Now The Passion Translation ‘TPT’ might not be as ‘holy’ or ‘pure’ as others, but I just LOVE it lately! And as a recovering people pleaser, reading ‘I’m easy to please’ is so sweet to my soul.
The Message version uses the same phrase ‘come to me’ just like all the other translations. However, the whole passage communicates a relational and conversational response of understanding. As our Friend, this is how Jesus would chat with us in this current day and age. His response is so beautiful in that it’s free of blame and shame. His main point is to give us rest, not scold us. And what do we need to do? Get away with Him. Walk with Him. Work with Him. Learn the unforced rhythms of His grace. Keep company with Him. And we’ll learn to live freely and lightly . . . *sigh*
Let’s chat about rhythms for a bit as mentioned in this passage of scripture. Because if you’re like me, when I read all this, I agree that sounds great and all but ‘now what? How can we actually DO that, like today or this week? I want rest and all that sounds wonderful, but I’m still here in the mess and carrying all the things!’ Anyone else?
I immediately thought of an awesome book I just read (okay, listened to thanks to Audible). I highly recommend Hosanna Wong’s book, You Are More Than You’ve Been Told. But for now, I’ll just give a brief synopsis in regards to rhythms of grace. And you know I love a good excuse to use some vineyard pics. As you examine the images, look at the structure of support, not just the vine, branches, and grapes.
While branches (you and me) just need to be connected to the Vine (Jesus) to live (see John 15), branches can grow and thrive and bear more fruit when they have a trellis or support or system to help carry the weight.
Jesus had a system of support, or a trellis, that He utilized while on earth. Yes, He’s part God but He was also part man. He needed support just like the rest of us.
Hosanna Wong referred to Jesus’ trellis as four rhythms. Four rhythms of grace we all need to support us as we grow, struggle, survive, and thrive. As we bear more fruit, our load gets heavier. As seasons change, our branches change as well. So as we walk to Jesus, learn from Jesus, and COME TO HIM, we observe some rhythms He had in place for His own support and ones we can (and must) integrate into our own lives. Not out of obligation or responsibility but for us to lighten up! Jesus’ four rhythms were:
- Scripture
- Prayer
- Rest
- Community
You know what’s even cooler? God is with us in each of these! Scripture is the story of Jesus. Jesus is seated on the throne in heaven interceding through prayer for us. God and Jesus rested and are with us as we rest through His Spirit. Where two or more are gathered in His name (aka community), He is present.
So you know what I’m realizing? As this fall season continues, and we gear up for the holidays and all this time of year includes, I desire to dance to the rhythms of His grace each day through scripture, prayer, rest and community. Not to check off a to-do list or from a place of shame or pleasing but in a desire to come to Him to lighten up. These must be my priority regardless of the to-do list and the demands of the day.
Wanna join me? Wanna join Holy Barre and Deeper Wells as we provide opportunities to dance? Follow along . . . or play and dance to the playlist at the bottom of this post.
Come to Him . . . burning brighter together!
Burning Bright! 