Reluctant Retiree

Our lives are busy. We run from one activity to the next, never taking the time to sit down and rest. Even when we plan a time to rest, another energy sapping activity gets our attention. We know that it is happening to us, but we seem to be powerless to keep it from occuring week after week. Even when we find time to rest our bodies, our minds are constantly at work and our souls are begging for restoration.

Where can we find soul restoring rest? Jesus said, “Come to me, all 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.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

When a farmer wished to train a new ox, he hooked the yoke of a mature and experienced ox to the new one. The new ox would try to wander off in the wrong direction, but the experienced ox kept the new one on the right path and going forward. Eventually the new ox learned how to properly pull the plow.

Jesus said that we can find rest for our weary souls in much the same way. We need to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn the ways of righteousness. In effect, we hook ourselves up to the yoke of Jesus. When we try to wander off the right path, Jesus will teach us the right ways. We find rest as we let Jesus lead the way, and we experience rest as we surrender to the path of righteousness, instead of struggling to find the way.

Why not find true rest for your soul by attaching yourself to the yoke of Jesus? Let Him lead you in the ways that will restore your soul.

It seems to me that the choosing of baby names has gone off track. People are choosing names just to be unique and unusual. That name may be cute when they are an infant, but will the child suffer humiliation as they get older and interact with others? It used to be that parents chose names because they meant something and they dreamed that their child would live up to the name. Unfortunately for me, my parents chose a common family name, James. That name comes from Jacob of the Bible and means “one who grabs the heal, or supplants.”

Names can inspire us to do good if chosen wisely. But few names have the power of the name given to Jesus. Philippians 2:9-11 says, “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Jesus Christ was given the name with all the power and authority of God the Father. All things were created by Him, through Him and for Him. All rulers and authorities in heaven and on earth are subject to the power and sovereignty of God. Some day every person will bow before Him and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. We get off the right path and into trouble when we fail to give Jesus the honor that is due to Him as Lord. We must start now choosing to trust Jesus as Lord and Savior or we will suffer the consequences of being forced to do so for eternity.

I have visited some places around the world in which the hardships of the people are written all over their faces. They seem to have no hope and their days are pure drudgery. I have also been in groups of people that seem to be living a continuous celebration. They seem to have life figured out. Although they also face their own struggles, they seem to pass through them victoriously.

Ecclesiastes 8:1 says, “Who is like the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.” Acting according to wisdom actually gives us shiny faces, meaning our faces are full of joy. If we follow the Lord’s wisdom, stress and anxiety melt away. Although we will struggle at times, God provides the strength to pass through the struggles and grow in faith and wisdom. In addition, other people will see the wisdom of following the Lord and be attracted to Him.

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you all are partakers with me of grace.” Philippians 1:6-7

The Christian faith begins with placing our trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It continues through our lifetime as God does a good work in and through our lives, conforming us to His image. Then it goes on forever as we live with Him in eternity, where all troubles and suffering has ended. It is a glorious ride for those of us who believe.

“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” Psalm 3:3

He is a shield around His children. He protects them from evil, but has not yet removed them from an evil world. One day His children will be with Him in heaven and the evil will be removed forever. No more pain. No more suffering. No more tears.

He is the glory of His children. He has adopted into His family those who believe in Jesus Christ and trust Him as Lord. We are now His sons and daughters and our home is with Him in glory.

He is the lifter of our heads. When we are discouraged or overwhelmed by the world around us, we simply need to look up to Jesus. He will not necessarily take us out of our troubles, but He will give us the power to victoriously pass through them. He will cause everything to work out for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.