Most Compassionate Lord, You promised to remove my heavy yoke and make my burdens light. A yoke is a heavy wooden harness that fits over the shoulder so one can pull a heavy load. I carry heavy burdens tied to my sins, excessive demands, persecutions and weariness from daily trials. I rely on Your promise to be my burden bearer and freeing me from the oppressive weight of problems, struggles and trials. You encourage me to turn everything over to You and, if I will only do it, You will infuse me with a peace that flows from Your love, compassion, healing powers and helping hand. Through the deepening of my relationship with You, I am enabled to change the meaningless, wearisome toils in my life into a productive and positive experience. Your Word tells me that if I come to You, accept my calling with enthusiasm and learn from You, I will grow into the image of the person You want me to become.
I come to You in response to Your calling. I cannot waver in my decision to accept it … I cannot shrink away from what it demands. Yielding to You shows that I’ve realized my dependence on You for every aspect of my life. It demonstrates an attitude of obedience and service. It is my way of showing You that I want to be useful and I’m willing to submit to Your guidance, love and wisdom. Too often, I expect You to come to me with resolutions for my problems; however, I’ve come to realize that it is I who needs to seek You, not for what I can get, but for who You are. In reaching out to You, I must show true repentance and a willingness to submit to Your will … because, if I do it, You will lighten my load and give me rest. As I approach You with an open heart, I am able to see Your awesomeness and all of the things You’ve done on my behalf.
In order to accept Your generous offer to forgive my sins, open up Your storehouse to me and freely give me Your counsel, I must be willing to submit to You and comply with Your requirements to live righteously. At the center of my search for Your goodness, I must take on Your character as my pattern for living. You encourage me to accept the challenges that will conform me into Your image because Your rewards are based on the efforts I put forth. In order to become more like You, I must be willing to be taught by You. The ingredients for learning involve trust, a willingness to turn from evil and a commitment to do good. To be changed, I must keep a watchful eye over everything I do, control my tongue and commit to righteous living. Only through reading, study and meditation can I understand who You are and how to submit to Your will. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Matthew 11:28-29 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 soul.