Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
—Matthew 11:28-30

Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.” The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.
—Psalm 2:1-4

~~~~~
Worn and Welcomed
By Jennifer Kane

Weary Soul Gentle Savior

I drag my feet through dust and dread, Come to Me, you who are weary and worn,
A heart too heavy to lift in prayer. I carried your cross before the dawn.
The silence screams, the shadows stay, I speak peace in the dead of night.
I’m lost in crowds that do not care. I leave the ninety-nine for you.
My strength is spent; I’ve nothing left. My strength is made perfect in weakness.
This yoke of life—I cannot bear. My yoke is easy, My burden light.
Why must I fight for every breath? I give you rest not just for sleep,
I long for stillness, safe and sure. But rest that sinks into your soul.
I cry, “How long?” but no reply… I answer, though not always loud.
O Lord, are You still there? I am with you—to the end.

I drag my feet through dust and dread,
Come to Me, you who are weary and worn,
A heart too heavy to lift in prayer.
I carried your cross before the dawn.
The silence screams, the shadows stay,
I speak peace in the dead of night.
I’m lost in crowds that do not care.
I leave the ninety-nine for you.
My strength is spent; I’ve nothing left.
My strength is made perfect in weakness.
This yoke of life—I cannot bear.
My yoke is easy, My burden light.
Why must I fight for every breath?
I give you rest not just for sleep,
I long for stillness, safe and sure.
But rest that sinks into your soul.
I cry, “How long?” but no reply…
I answer, though not always loud.
O Lord, are You still there?
I am with you—to the end.

~~~~~

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30, Psalm 2:1-4

“Come to me,” Jesus says—not when we feel strong and capable, but when we’re worn thin and burdened. This invitation is more than poetic comfort. It’s a rescue for weary souls overwhelmed by the weight of a broken world.

When Jesus spoke these words, He had just rebuked cities that had seen miracles and still chose to ignore Him. He was surrounded by people running toward everything but repentance—chasing control, clinging to pride, wearying themselves in the unrest of their own making. Sound familiar?

Our world today still rages with the same noise. Psalm 2 reminds us that nations plot and people strive against the Lord’s ways, imagining they can break free of Him and find peace on their own. But while they scheme, the Lord laughs—not in cruelty, but in sovereignty. Nothing surprises Him. Nothing thwarts His plan.

And in the middle of this noise, Jesus gently whispers, “Come to me.” He doesn’t demand we clean ourselves up or get it together first. He invites us as we are—tired, anxious, heavy-hearted. His rest isn’t just sleep or escape; it’s a deep soul-rest grounded in grace. His yoke isn’t a new burden—it’s a release from the crushing expectations of the world.

When life feels overwhelming, this promise stands: We are not held up by our own strength, but by His. Jesus doesn’t promise an easy path, but He does promise His presence. And that is where true rest is found.

~~~~~

Father, I’m tired. The noise of the world and the weight of my thoughts have left me worn and restless. You see it all. You know the burdens I carry—some I speak, others I barely admit to myself. And still, You call to me: “Come.”
So I come. I come with empty hands and a heavy heart, asking You to teach me Your rest. Help me lay down my need to control, my anxious striving, my fear of falling behind. Let me trade my burdens for Your peace. Thank You for being gentle when I am fragile. Thank You for laughing when the world spins in chaos—not because You mock us, but because You reign above it. Help me trust that nothing is outside of Your care. Even when I feel undone, remind me that You are not. And in Your strength, I will find my rest. Thank you for your presence in my life, and in your name I pray, Jesus, Amen.

June 15 2025