Matthew 11:28-30

I was up early today for my morning run...7:30am hits and I'm out the door! Today was a different run than most. For the month of July, we have had some really mild weather. Not the norm if you're from around here. The humidity is generally horrible, so it's not great when your hair is prone to frizz or you hate sweating in all the wrong places, if you know what I mean!! However, the past couple of weeks have been cool and this morning was no exception except for the fact that there was a light mist of rain coming down. I love early morning runs. It's quiet and peaceful. I like to carry on conversation with the Lord a lot during the day and my morning runs are no exception. I pray. It's truly a time that I experience His presence the most. My relationship with the Lord has been like no other recently. The life experiences and circumstances God has put in my path recently have been quite significant. God is truly teaching me that although I have been blessed with an amazing family, friends, etc., He is truly my stronghold and fortress when I'm weak. There's no one else I can cry out to in my distress, worries, anxieties, troubles, etc. except Him. As I was running this morning, the Lord reminded me of a verse that our pastor just preached about on Sunday. It was a verse Jesus spoke himself concerning our own human merit and abilities and how leaning on Him and getting throught this thing called "life" is impossible without Him. Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus spoke, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. 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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Apart from God and his divine grace, I can do nothing. Apart from him I could never save myself. Apart from Him, I am fallen. As our pastor preached, he explained how we are carrying our burdens the wrong way. We're not meant to carry them on our own. Our world tells us how important and honorable it is to be self-sufficient, abundant in riches, strong, and proud. But I know that my pursuit of happiness is a different way. And I am humbled that I am His.
BTW--check out what a "yoke" is if you get a chance. No, I didn't get the spelling wrong. It's not the y-o-l-k of an egg. But I will tell you that a yoke was not meant to be used by one, but two.