SHOOTING OURSELVES DOWN
On September 21, 1956, a Navy fighter jet was mysteriously shot down. There were no enemy planes in the area, and the radar indicated no presence of any aircraft whatsoever. Officials were scratching their heads, trying to understand the anomaly. Eventually they discovered the answer. The pilot was testing his ammunition during the flight. The speed of the jet was faster than the ammo he fired. The jet outran the ammo and the pilot actually shot himself down! (https://www.planeandpilotmag.com/news/pilot-talk/grumman-f11-tiger-shoot-itself-down/)
That’s no different than the situations many of us face. Racing through life at breakneck speed, it’s easy to outrun our ability to keep up with our tasks. There are reports to be finished, ball games to attend, dishes to be washed, and weeds to be pulled. How can we keep up with it all? What’s the answer to getting off the hamster wheel and slowing down? Honestly, I don’t have any simple solutions. But I know who does. His name is Jesus.
Matthew 11:28-30 sounds as if Jesus is speaking to our generation. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, 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.”
“Weary and heavy-laden.” Can anyone relate? We carry a weariness that exceeds needing more sleep. That’s why Jesus offers rest— real rest. Not the rest of a better mattress or an ergonomic office chair. Jesus says, “Come to ME…” He’s the one with the answers.
In my current season of life, as my wife’s caregiver, some days I feel like that pilot. I’m racing through my day, trying to cross more tasks off my to-do list. By the end of the day, my energy has been squeezed out of me. I’m barely able to hold my eyes open—but there are still unfinished tasks.
What we need are a few “Jesus breaks” during the day. Times when we can offload all our stuff on our All-Powerful, Heavenly Friend. The frustration, fuming, and fears. The burdens, bondage, and baggage we’re toting that weighs us down. We weren’t designed to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders…and we shouldn’t feel obligated to try. If we do, we just might discover we’re shooting ourselves down.
UPDATE ON LINDA: Linda is making some progress with her program. Her energy level seems to be rising on a daily basis. She is still very thin and needs to gain weight. Her faith and trust in God is strong. Keep praying for her treatments to be effective.
Principle: Jesus offers rest—real rest from our weariness.
Ponder:
What areas of your life give you the most stress?
How can you make time for “Jesus breaks” during your day?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Matthew 11:25-30.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to you for the rest you offer. I fall into your arms. Give me the strength to rest in you and let you live your life through me.
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