Are you weary because of life's many concerns? Are you under the burden of sickness or poverty or sadness? Perhaps you are facing personal pain or certain kinds of temptations or weaknesses. Maybe you have reached the place where you are desperate and ready to give up. You may truly be searching for rest for your soul.
How can we remove this tiredness? How can we be freed from this pressure? Saint Augustine said, "You have created us, Oh Lord, and our soul will not find rest until it has found its rest in you." It is true. We cannot find real, lasting rest apart from Jesus. Indeed, he is calling us now and always to go to him with our heavy burdens. He is spreading his arms wide, as he did on the cross, his voice echoing in the ears and hearts of many as he extends an invitation to you, to me, and to every person who is weary. Jesus is calling, "Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest."
Perhaps it is sin in our lives that keeps us from answering his call. David got tired of the burden of his sins, "I am drowning in the flood of my sins; they are a burden too heavy to bear" (Psalm 38:4). But Jesus wants us to come just as we are. "I did not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." (Luke 5:32)
Jesus has not abandoned us in our sufferings. No, because of his great love he is stretching out his hand to us with a voice full of peace and tranquility, saying "Come to me, you who are weary." There is no anger in his heart, no reprimand in his voice, no sword in his hand. He is calling you and me tenderly, with a look of compassion and a touch of love.
Lord, help us to answer your call and come to you; you are our only real rest in the midst of life's many troubles.