Rest From Expectations – July 31, 2023

[Jesus said] “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

Rest From Expectations

It’s exhausting, isn’t it? Always trying to live up to the expectations of others or the expectations we have for ourselves. Always trying to be the better person. Always having to be the one everyone looks to for answers, advice, and validation.

Whether we are a parent, manager, or reliable friend, people have expectations of us and depend on us. It can often feel like if we make one mistake it will end up hurting others or letting them down. If we make a mistake with so many people depending on us, our error will impact so many others. We so often fail to meet expectations. That is because we are not perfect. We try, but we are never good enough. and we are afraid that people will find out.

There is a better way—it is Jesus. He says, “Come to me . . . and I will give you rest.” The kind of rest Jesus gives is unique. It is not just a kick-your-feet-up-on-the-couch kind of rest. Rather, it is rest from sin. Rest from our own failures. Rest from having to be perfect or feeling like everything depends on us.

This rest from Jesus was hard-earned. It was earned by his time on the cross. A time when Jesus had no rest, suffered for your sins and mine, and gave his life so that we could live forever. Jesus died on the cross to take our sins away and make sure we could have eternal expectations of a home in heaven. Because of Jesus, our future is secure. That means the pressure is off! Now we are free to live our lives in service to Jesus and thank him for the eternal rest he has provided for us.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for meeting all of God’s expectations in my place. Help me today to live for you. Amen.