Come To Me (What did Jesus Mean by these Words?)

Over two months ago, August 12th, while preparing for the day, I was overwhelmed by all the tasks needing completion within the next three days. Consequently, I found myself crying out to God--Lord help me!

Moments later, before getting dressed, I glanced at my phone and saw it--a missed call from my sister at 7:00 A.M.? Sis rarely called except to discuss Mom's heath or issues concerning the nursing home that had been Mom's home for the last year.

When I returned her call, Kenny, my brother-in-law, answered. I was expecting to hear Mom was ill--not that she had passed away in her sleep. I quickly donned my clothes and headed to the nursing home. I had anticipated (off and on) such a call for the last several months--but not today.

Several months ago I had reflected on who would conduct Mom's funeral when the time came. I came to the stark conclusion that no one knew Mom better than me. In addition, I knew she wanted me to do it; of course, she wouldn't ask, not wanting to lay such a heavy burden on me.

While traveling to the nursing home, thoughts flooded my mind--would my siblings have a problem with me conducing the funeral, what Bible passage would I use, how could I find the time with all the other obligations facing me? I guess, out of frustration, I cried out to God, "So this is the help I get--my mom dies."

I then found myself waiting for the traffic light to turn green. Just a few minutes earlier I heard a ding alerting me of a text message on my phone, so I checked it. I was expecting something from one of my brothers, not from my son's baseball coach at Grace Baptist. It was the coach's daily text message with a Bible verse for the day (something he began doing several months ago). He was faithful to send one out to players and parents every morning. But this morning was different. These verses were meant for me. They rescued me. They reassured me. They reconnected me. They were the words of Matthew 11:28-30ESV. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Exactly what I needed--rest for my soul! They reminded me of who's in charge. They reminded me that I have an all-powerful, all-sufficient Savior. They reminded me that I have a helper at my side. They reminded me that I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13ESV).

All I had to do was come to Him, to focus on Him, to look to Him, and trust in Him. Sadly, the busyness of life can squeeze itself in between us and God. Don't let it! Go to Him when life turns your life upside down. Reflect on His Words. Only in Jesus can we can find the peace of God, a peace that defies rational explanation. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world (John 16:33ESV).