Finding Rest

https://odb.org/MY/2023/03/01/finding-rest-2

Today is 1st March 2023 and marks a full 9 months since I took on my new job. It has been a journey of adjustment as I was at my previous company for many years. Different work cultures from an entrepreneur-driven organisation to a government like entity, for example, with much emphasis on controls and processes but not enough on speed to market. Also, in this new job, we are embarking into a new industry.

At the personal level, we have moved down to Petaling Jaya, spending our workdays here and only returning to Seremban on weekends and holidays. Travelling time to and from work is much reduced, but running two households has its own challenges.

In terms of rest, we get better rest at our Seremban house compared to our PJ apartment as there is constant traffic noise even high up in the air. The density, of course, is high in an apartment complex and also in the bigger city, especially during rush hours. There are just so many more vehicles and people going somewhere every moment and minute. When we look out, everyone seems to be in a rush.

Thus, it is amazingly good that Jesus reminds us today in Matthew 11:28-30 to come to Him all of us who are weary and burdened as He will give us rest. He exhorts us to take His yoke upon us and learn from Him, for His heart is gentle and humble, for we will find rest in our souls in Him. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. His heart is gentle and humble. He is for us and understands our situation. He will not scold us for our inadequacies, weaknesses, and shortcomings.

He will give us rest as His yoke is easy, and His yoke is light. I think what that means is that even as life still goes on as it is, we will be energised and strengthened inside us as we live our lives for Him. Further, we will find satisfaction and closure in the things we do instead of always chasing after the next deadline. Of course, with Jesus in our lives, we have eternity in our hearts, our final destination secured.

I think the message today is that if we go to Jesus today, we will find rest today and here on earth in Him, in the Father. We certainly do not want to find rest only when we finally rest in peace! That would indeed be just too tragic.