“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Generally, the end of the year is being celebrated with joy and thankfulness.
More often than not: with more joy than thankfulness. More often than not: not being sure whom to thank for the year that is gone.
For us, God’s people, our thanks are offered to God, the Father – the Great Provider and Sustainer of life.
Under the OT covenant, God was teaching people to be thankful – hence the New Year celebrations.
The world says: Do not worry! Be happy!
While the world’s mantra sounds good, unfortunately the world doesn’t offer anything that would make one indeed happy. On the contrary, the world’s future looks rather gloomy/bleak: financially, economically, socially, and environmentally.
Jesus says: Do not worry! Trust Me!
Do not worry – I am bearing your burdens with you
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29, 30).
When we take His yoke (easy) and His burden (light) on us we place our burdens on Him (1Peter 5:7).
Do not worry – I am giving you rest
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Then, as we approach the New Year, let us respond to Jesus’ call by not worrying, but completely trusting in Him. Do not worry! Trust in Him!