Soul Rest

When I was in the Marines, I was required to carry heavy equipment or supplies strapped to my back. I remember distinctly the feeling of lightness and relief when I was allowed to lay that burden down. Suddenly, I felt light as a feather.

We carry through this world two types of burdens: physical and spiritual. Physical burdens weigh us down, sap our strength and weary our bodies. Spiritual burdens—worries, fears, sorrows—weigh us down mentally and emotionally. Psalm 62:8 points the way for us to lay down our spiritual burdens and find rest for our souls.

How do we enter into the soul’s rest of which the psalmist writes? Through our relationship with God, by trusting in him and pouring out our hearts to him in prayer, we find comfort, peace of mind and freedom from fear and worry. Then we lay our burdens down and go on our way, lightened, refreshed and encouraged.

Remember: God already knows what is in our hearts, so we are not informing the Lord of our cares and burdens when we seek him in prayer. We are laying our burdens upon the Lord so that we no longer need to carry them ourselves.

Prayer: Dear God, help us to take full advantage of your offer of rest for our souls; and remind us that when we rest in your strength, nothing can shake us. Amen