By Betty Chou

“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” -Matthew 11:28

What does “resting in the Lord” mean? After recently rereading God’s words in detail, I gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for this scriptural passage.

As a busy person, I have an endless amount of things to do throughout the year. Sometimes, I face very challenging problems that I need to deal with or resolve. These challenges can be so overwhelming to the point that I can hardly breathe. As a result, I occasionally I let out a complaint or two.

At the end of February, I returned to the U.S. In addition to doing administrative work at my office every day, I also had to deliver sermons, share my spiritual experiences, teach, provide counseling, write articles, and handle many other responsibilities. These different ways of serving God have kept me very busy. However, because I quietly immersed myself in God’s words, I learned to give everything I must do and every difficult situation I face into God’s hands. To help myself totally relax, I try to swim at least an hour every day. Though the responsibilities and challenges remain the same, I thank the Lord for making me truly experience the unexpected peace of being in the Lord.

Dear brothers and sisters, are you tired and weary? The Lord invites everyone to hear his words: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Regardless of the troubles you have had or pressures you have endured, if you can truly come to the Lord and quietly immerse in His words, relying on Him, deeply trusting Him to uphold you, you will receive comfort, strength, help and will enjoy resting in Him.

My prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the promise of your words. Lord, please help me avoid making excuses that draw me away from you. Bless me with the ability to understand the true meaning of your words. I want to be at peace in your presence and enjoy the resting in you. I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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