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 11:29 NIV

Rest for my soul? Soul Rest! Soul Rest just might be the most valuable commodity in today’s economy. It is something I have sought and treasured since the earliest days of my life.

Jesus taught his disciples a foundational principle for Soul 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” (Matt. 11:29 NIV). Jesus knew how to find that peace and rest through His relationship with His own heavenly Father. Now, He offers that insider's tip to His disciples—learn from me.

Jesus wanted to be their teacher. He wants to be my teacher. My battered soul in this broken world often needs someone to encourage, instruct, calm, and strengthen. Slowly, very slowly, I have learned to go to Him first!

Engaging with my soul, the deepest part of who I am, opens my heart and mind to His instruction and wisdom. His Word contains the truth my heart seeks. Only then can I get to that place of Soul Rest. Perhaps a passage of scripture, a devotional, a sermon, a song, a glorious sunset, or a hug from a friend takes me there. I have come to know Jesus as that gentle teacher, someone I can trust to provide insight, truth, wisdom, discernment, courage, or strength for my soul—whatever I need to get to that place of Soul Rest.

Thank you, Father, for the gift of Soul Rest, and the dependable guidance for finding it.

Linda Lesniewski