Often, when someone goes to counselling to address a longstanding problem the counsellor hears these words, “Please, tell me what I need to do to fix this” or “Maybe if I try harder …” Having something to do may feel good when a person is stuck, and the problems seem overwhelming. But there are few times when we genuinely have the ability and resources to fix our troubles. Trying harder doesn’t solve everything. Counselling will eventually explore what wise actions are helpful and appropriate. But something more basic comes first.
What is the answer then?
Jesus says in Matthew 11:28–30, “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, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Initially, this might seem an odd place to go. It offers no obvious path to “solving” anything. The idea that we should stop and consider this invitation from Jesus might seem passive, even unhelpful. But it is very active: “Come. Take. Learn.”
Is Jesus speaking to you here? Is he describing your experience? Where do you feel weary and burdened? If he is putting words to your experience and if Jesus speaks to you, what is your reaction to this invitation?
Jesus calls you to come to him. If you are hesitant to do this, remember that he is gentle. Remember that he is humble. He is the safest place for you to go in your struggle.
Jesus will give you rest. Relief that comes with our efforts or a change in our circumstances is limited. Only Jesus can provide lasting rest—rest to our souls. This is the rest we ultimately long to have and the rest he longs to give us.
Jesus calls you to learn from him. This means he has things to teach you that will help you. This is good news. Jesus delights in sharing these good things with us.
Jesus invites you to take up his yoke. If this sounds like another burden, remember that Jesus started the conversation by acknowledging that you are already weary and burdened. You’ve already been wearing the burdensome yoke and carrying heavy burdens. His yoke is different.
Look for small but significant ways to come to him, rest in him, and learn from him this week. It may not seem like that will solve all your problems. And it won’t. But resting in Christ is always the starting point. Remember, you need him first.