Heavy Yokes Are Not of Jesus

Tuesday, September 23

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Devotion

Heavy yokes are usually of our own making or externally applied by forces other than Jesus. Sin. Guilt. Blame. Perfectionism. Poor self-image. Depression. Doubt. But if we obey Scripture to “Consider it pure joy … whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2) and we bring our burdens to Jesus to bear, He will lighten our yokes according to this promise.

If we find our yoke is remaining heavy, we ought to consider if we are really crying out to Jesus, trusting that he is seated at God's right hand. Are we instead turning inward in self-pity rather than crying out? Turning inward in self-pity is not trust, and most of the time it is hardly even prayer.

Consider the words of Jesus in the parable of the persistent widow, “And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?” (Luke 18:7) Courteney highlighted the path from self-pity to trust: letting go, really giving it to Jesus rather than asking for the blessing while you hold on firmly. This release is followed by the blessing, the breaking, and the multiplication. Crying out is the key to surrender and growth in the breaking stage. Rather than pray silently, which can tend toward turning inward and self-pity, build a habit of praying aloud in times of pain and brokenness – even crying out in a loud voice.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for allowing trials to come as discipline so I will turn my heart toward you. Oh Lord, I confess I have had many pity parties and thought I was praying with faith. Yet, my heavy yoke remained. Help me really come to you as the preacher outlined – letting go and joyfully receiving your blessing, your breaking, and your multiplication. Help me to trust you and your orderly process by faith, even before I begin to see it in your answer to my crying out. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

On another occasion, Jesus asked a man if he believed what Jesus told him. The man answered, “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) We were encouraged this week to truly release anger, control, and worries about ourselves and others to Jesus, who is more than able to handle the deepest concerns. As specific issues rise in your mind from day to day, tell Jesus out loud that you release it to Him. Be honest and, if you need to, pray, “Lord, I release this to you; help me release it to you!”

Resources

• Create a Prayer of Release List: Journal specific burdens or desires you’re surrendering to God, trusting Him to ease your yoke.

• Short Clip: “God Will Do What You Cain’t” - Be encouraged to take action (praise, pray, read the Bible, attend church, put God first) to unlock God’s power to do what you ‘cain’t.