Embracing the Yoke: Finding Soulful Rest in the Way of Jesus

Blog by Alan Fadling

Jesus invites us to learn from him the way of life we were made for. Jesus says his way is easy and his burden is light. The way of Jesus—the yoke of Jesus—is just the life we were created to live.

Taking on the way of Jesus is restful for our souls because it is a perfect fit for our design. The good life is not about how full our wallet or closet or garage is. It is about fullness and richness of soul. Jesus calls this being “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21). And in the end, this is the most restful way to live our lives and do our work.

Let me make a suggestion. Take the words of Jesus from Matthew 11:28-30 and make them a regular place to visit. Try praying them in your own words as the desire of your heart. Ask Jesus to help you enter more fully into his wisdom. It could sound something like this:

“Lord Jesus, I’m coming to you. You know how tired and overwhelmed I feel. I feel weary in ways that a nap or a vacation doesn’t seem to touch. I need the kind of deep rest only you offer. Show me the shape of your yoke in my life these days. Teach me how to join you in the way you live and work. Help me see what it looks like to live my life close to you. In this way, may I find rest in my very depths. Show me the way to live that is as easy and light as the yoke you invite me into. Amen.”

To get more specific here, let me offer some thoughts on entering into the deep and abiding rest available in Jesus.

First, talk with God honestly about how tired you are. Acknowledge ways that you are sliding into escapist activities. Talk with him about tendencies to numb out that you’re aware of. Ask him to show you where you are settling for counterfeits of rest rather than finding true rest in his friendship.

Being this honest in prayer can be hard. We often hide our unhelpful habits out of embarrassment or shame. But it’s good to remind ourselves that Jesus already sees us exactly as we are and is fully committed to stay with us, work with us, guide us, teach us, even train us in his eternal way of living.

Next, think a little about what has helped you find refreshment or rest in the past. In my retreat and formation coaching work, I’ve often quoted a Jewish proverb usually attributed to Rabbi Abraham Heschel: “One who works with their mind will Sabbath with their hands, and one who works with their hands will Sabbath with their mind.”

While some of you reading these words may have jobs that primarily involve physical labor, most of us are likely in jobs that require a lot from our minds and even our souls. That’s why sitting in front of the television or scrolling an app on a smartphone may not be as restful as we think. It demands energy and attention from our minds rather than letting them rest.

I have found that, since so much of my work involves thinking, writing, and conversation with others, my best forms of rest and renewal tend to be physical in nature. This “Sabbathing” or resting with my physical body has taken a few forms:

I seek to have a less mentally taxing evening, maybe even leaving the television and my devices off and going to bed earlier. Getting good sleep doesn’t just impact our bodies. It is the time when God gives rest to our souls as well.

Later in the day or on the weekend, I like to get out and enjoy a bike ride. Living in Southern California, this is something I can do most days, though I know that’s not true for everyone. But some sort of physical activity can be a gift for our souls. Sometimes Gem and I take a walk in our neighborhood or kayak on a nearby lake or walk on the beach. Physical activity can refresh our souls.

I know this next idea will sound like a chore to some people, but I find my soul comes to rest when I’m working in the yard. Caring for our little lawn, keeping trees and shrubs trimmed, clearing leaves and other debris that has collected gives me a sense of joy in caring for our little piece of creation. My soul seems to enjoy this activity of creative care.

Often, I’ll just sit in our backyard and enjoy the beauty of what I can see in God’s creation. We keep bird feeders that attract many avian friends. Being outside and gazing at the simple beauty that surrounds me does something good in my soul.

As you think of your own life, to what degree would you say that your soul is weary? How does life feel like it is weighing you down? And how might you make a little more space in your daily and weekly schedule to receive God’s gift of rest?

In whatever way you feel drawn to God’s rest, I pray that God’s empowering presence, his measureless generosity, and his great goodness be with you, seeking you before ever you seek him. And may grace bear the fruit of deep well-being, freedom from anxious care, and a soul at rest in the presence of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

For Reflection:

• Of the suggestions for finding rest mentioned above, is there one that sounds especially timely or inviting to you? When might you experiment with it in your own experience to see if it helps you?