Learning How To Give Up Hard Labour
Monday September 2, 2019
Today is Labour Day and tomorrow many students, and some of us, return to places of education for a new season of learning and maturing. Coming out of addiction is like coming out of hard labour and the school of “hard knocks.” Trouble found many of us and then we added to it by our own doings.
Thank God for these new days of work and learning that can be challenging but do not need to be overwhelming. Jesus used a farming picture to help people understand what this means.
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 NIV)
In the same way that an ox wasn’t born to just graze in the fields, we don’t come into recovery to do nothing. Oxen had many tasks they could perform: plowing, hauling, tramping seed to thresh it, turning a wheel to grind grain or send water along irrigation lines. The food supply of many relied upon the good work of oxen.
God created us for good works, but He knew that just like the oxen we need to learn about various things we are not familiar with. When plowing, two oxen would be fitted with a heavy wooden yoke settled on their necks and then a plough could be attached. An older ox was paired with a younger one to both carry a heavier load and keep the younger one in line, so the job would get done.
Jesus takes the heavy burden of sin from us and promises to guide us into a wonderful life of purpose and meaning. We can’t get there on our own, though. We need to be united with Jesus so that when He moves, we move. When He stops, we stop. Jesus promises that if we stay close to Him, we will know a gentle and humble way that, even though it’s work, will be restful rather than overwhelming. This is life as God intended. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for this new season of learning and work. Help me to move at the pace You set and follow the direction You give. Forgive me for the times I make life so much more difficult by trying to do things my way. Amen
©2019 Partners in Hope
More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/
Audio for Learning How To Give Up Hard Labour
Recent Meditations
Giving Hope
Partners in Hope is supported wholly by our friends and community. We are thankful to everyone who partners with us to help bring hope to the discouraged, hurting, and hopeless.