Last week I wrote about Mathew 11:28-30, so when it came up again in my prayer time, I figured I should pay closer attention. Here’s the passage —

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬-‭30‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Let me backtrack a few days. I have a friend, Melissa, who I talk with every week. She keeps me accountable for my writing goals, and encourages me when I’m feeling anxious and overwhelmed. This week she suggested we both set a time in the morning to write in a prayer journal, and check in on our next call. Well, it’s only been three days and I have three excellent scriptures. Here were my first two —

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

2 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Peace and strength are powerful gifts for an anxious or overwhelmed mind, and I need them both, but today’s verse gave me that “aha” moment. Specifically in Matthew 11:29 when Jesus says, “Let me teach you.” Other versions say, “Learn from me.” The implication is that there are things that I can learn from Jesus to help make my life better and easier. Let’s take a look at comparable verses.

All your children will be taught by Yahweh, and great will be their peace and prosperity.

Isaiah‬ ‭54‬:‭13‬ ‭TPT‬‬

I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with my eye on you, I will give counsel.

Psalms‬ ‭32‬:‭8‬ ‭CSB‬‬

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

John‬ ‭14‬:‭26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

With all these promises how could I fail? Easily. If I don’t accept His invitation. If I don’t have a teachable spirit. If I don’t listen. If I don’t respond to His teaching. Oppositely, how could I succeed? I can show up, be teachable, listen, and act on His word.

Lord, you are the potter and I am the clay. I pray to be soft and moldable in your hands.

That’s my prayer. Are you brave enough to pray the same?

Grace & Peace,

Sandy