A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

COME TO JESUS FOR REST     

Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”   

Personal stress is a big issue. There are countless studies that have been conducted, are being conducted and will be conducted regarding stress in the lives of Americans. As an example, according to CFAH (an organization that studies health issues), “workplace stress or job stress refers to the harmful way we physically and emotionally respond to conflicts between work demands and our capabilities to meet those demands. The higher the demands and the less control we have over them, the higher the risk of workplace stress. 94% or more than 9 in 10 American workers feel chronic stress at work.”  

Among all Americans the following are in order the top ten stress producers: money, U.S. politics, health care, violence and crime, the environment, global tension/conflict, gun laws and regulations, strained political climate and elections, election stress, emerging trends related to stress in today’s society.    

To those of you dealing with stress in your life, Jesus says, “Come to ME. . .” St. Peter urges you to “ Cast all your anxiety on Him (Jesus) because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) The Psalmist encourages you to “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him . . .” (Psalm 37:5)   

Stress, worry, and anxiety are not new phenomena. They have been around for as long as there have been sinful human beings. Spiritually speaking, they occur anytime you take your eye off of Jesus, fail to look to Yahweh for all of your needs, and believe you are in charge of your life.    

In today’s devotional verse Jesus says to you, especially in your times of stress, worry and anxiety, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Remember, All authority and power has been given to Jesus in heaven and on this earth. (Matthew 28:18)   

Prayer: Jesus, help me to deal with all my stress, anxiety, and worry. In Your holy name I pray. Amen. 

Come, my soul, with ev’ry care, Jesus loves to answer prayer;  
He Himself has bid thee pray, Therefore will not turn away. 

Thou art coming to a King, Large petitions with thee bring;  
For His grace and pow’r are such None can ever ask too much. 

With my burden I begin: Lord, remove this load of sin;  
Let Thy blood, for sinners spilt, Set my conscience free from guilt. 

Lord, Thy rest to me impart, Take possession of my heart;  
There Thy blood-bought right maintain And without a rival reign. 

While I am a pilgrim here, Let Thy love my spirit cheer;  
As my guide, my guard, my friend, Lead me to my journey’s end. 

Show me what is mine to do; Ev’ry hour my strength renew.  
Let me live a life of faith; Let me die Thy people’s death.  

Come, My Soul, with Ever Care // LSB 779