“My Yoke Is Easy and My Burden Is Light”
When Jesus said, “For My yoke is easy and my burden is light“, Matthew (His disciple) saw religious leaders and others being unkind to Jesus. In fact, they wanted Him dead as soon as possible.
Jesus also said, Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28-29).
Those words ring in my heart because my soul longs for rest. For the longest time in my spiritual growth journey, I couldn’t figure out how a yoke and burden are restful. I’m sorry to say that I put my hand to everything instead of leaning on Jesus for the results. Sure, I was saved and loved the Lord. But, I hadn’t learned to take ME out of the equation when it comes to living the phrase—my yoke is easy and my burden light.
In my defense, I live in a flesh body that relies on built-in senses to see, taste, feel, hear, and smell. Those physical senses cause me to face the same brick wall again and again. Jesus simply said, “Trust Me.” At that point, I didn’t know how to deny the flesh. I wanted tangible changes I could take hold of instantly. Still, I knew if I trusted Him, He would go to work for me supernaturally.
My Yoke Is Easy and My Burden Is Light: What It Means
The relationship you and I have with the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit is spiritual—howbeit supernatural, nevertheless personal.
When difficulties in life threaten to unhinge us, Jesus gently says, “Come to Me.” He also wants us to stay in His presence once there. Because once we live, we open the door to trouble.
The heavy yokes we choose to heap on top of us are self-imposed (we have other choices). No matter what Satan tells you God is not the one adding burdens. Satan’s one job is to kill, steal, and destroy. He throws scum in your direction so you believe the worst about God and disconnect from Him.
To counteract Satan’s plans, you spend time in God’s presence and feel as light as air. That’s because His nature is one of gentleness and humility that permeates all of His creation.
For robbers prosper. Go ahead and provoke God—it makes no difference! He will supply your every need anyway! Who doesn’t know that the Lord does things like that? Ask the dumbest beast—he knows that it is so; ask the birds—they will tell you; or let the earth teach you, or the fish of the sea. For the soul of every living thing is in the hand of God, and the breath of all mankind (Job 12:7-10).
Additionally, it’s common for brokenness to deceive you along with your heart which leans toward evil. Inward and outward struggles assault your mind, body, and spirit. So what do you do when life gets hard?
My Yoke Is Easy and My Burden Is Light: True When Life Isn’t Fair
Weariness tags along with the cumulative effects of a life that slopes downhill. Living in abundance is more than staying upright after life knocks you down. You need rest for your soul amidst the mayhem designed to choke out Christ’s life in you. Jesus personally taught me the meaning of “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” when contemplating the desires of my heart.
When I retired, my overburdened mind mused about not spending time with our daughter and granddaughter. They lived hours away. My husband wanted to rest and enjoy a slower pace. I desired to be closer to loved ones. My cerebral cogs worked overtime trying to figure out a solution.
I prayed, questioned God, cried, worried, and finally surrendered to God. I knew He wanted me to “trust Him” as He always has. My prayers went from “why God” to “change me.” Within weeks, God started to change both of us. Even though I wasn’t always on board for an eternal transformation, eventually I learned how to rest when my heart and emotions were at odds with my spirit.
Fast forward. The desires of my heart are much closer to reality. Step by step, God continues to orchestrate events. Life is light and easy when I stay close and stuff continues to happen to derail me. I’m learning how to “rest in God” and listen when He says, “Take my yoke upon you.” If a whirlwind swirls around me (watching the insanity of the world living without Jesus), I stop thinking about what I see. I get back in sync with God. Because behavior contrary to abiding in God’s presence is tomfoolery at the worst level.
My Yoke is Easy and My Burden Is Light Seems Too Simple
The longer I serve God what He requires from me seems uncomplicated and undemanding. It’s easy to discount instructions from scripture as too easy when living in a complicated world. Jesus simply says if you’re exhausted for whatever reason, go to Him. He wants us to seek Him for answers to life’s complexities. He is the source of our rest, comfort, and release from life’s difficulties.
Maybe you currently live through a season of unrest and whatever you try doesn’t work. You may question whether relief is as simple as resting in His gentleness and humility. I’m here to tell you – yes. You and I don’t come to Him because what He offers seems too simplistic. We come after we’ve tried every hard way above, around, and through the problem.
Then, dawn hits our brains. Jesus already made life easier for us at the cross. “Burdens were lifted at Calvary.” That’s why Jesus could confidently say, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” because it’s true.