I've just been reading the latest Zondervan email titled "I Will Give You Rest", where it gives an excerpt from Ann Spangler's book "Praying the Names of Jesus" and I have officially had "a moment". I am speechless, my heart has done a full turn inside my chest and the emotion that has welled up is incredible. All I want to do is to run away from work and be alone with Jesus, but as I can't, I will have to do it here from work. Here is the excerpt -
""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).
One of the most winsome promises Jesus made to his followers was the promise of rest. But when was the last time you felt rested? Part of the secret of receiving the rest Jesus speaks of is to be sure that we are wearing the right "yoke." A yoke is an instrument used to harness two animals together so that they can combine their strength to carry a load. Jesus tells us his burden is light not because it is easy but because he is on the other side of the yoke, helping us to serve with his strength. Ask Jesus to free you, his servant, from burdens he does not want you to carry."
What affected me so much? It was this sentence - "Jesus tells us his burden is light not because it is easy but because he is on the other side of the yoke, helping us to serve with his strength." Specifically the words "...he is on the other side of the yoke...". You get that?
"He is on the other side of the yoke."
I'm all about imagery and feeling the image on the inside, right down deep in my heart, in my soul, and in the core of me where I know I need it most so I can heal. This has done it, or at least part of it. This moment is definitely up there with when I felt Jesus with me at church, where I saw Him, heard Him and felt Him. "Praying the Names of Jesus" is definitely a book that I will be reading. With every e-newsletter that has come through regarding this book, I have gleaned a new understanding and appreciation about my Saviour.
Dear Saviour Jesus, thank you so much for this moment. Thank you the reminder I so need; that I am not doing this worldly existence alone, that you are right by my side and right where I need you. Praying thanks in your Wonderful Name, Amen.
""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).
One of the most winsome promises Jesus made to his followers was the promise of rest. But when was the last time you felt rested? Part of the secret of receiving the rest Jesus speaks of is to be sure that we are wearing the right "yoke." A yoke is an instrument used to harness two animals together so that they can combine their strength to carry a load. Jesus tells us his burden is light not because it is easy but because he is on the other side of the yoke, helping us to serve with his strength. Ask Jesus to free you, his servant, from burdens he does not want you to carry."
What affected me so much? It was this sentence - "Jesus tells us his burden is light not because it is easy but because he is on the other side of the yoke, helping us to serve with his strength." Specifically the words "...he is on the other side of the yoke...". You get that?
"He is on the other side of the yoke."
I'm all about imagery and feeling the image on the inside, right down deep in my heart, in my soul, and in the core of me where I know I need it most so I can heal. This has done it, or at least part of it. This moment is definitely up there with when I felt Jesus with me at church, where I saw Him, heard Him and felt Him. "Praying the Names of Jesus" is definitely a book that I will be reading. With every e-newsletter that has come through regarding this book, I have gleaned a new understanding and appreciation about my Saviour.
Dear Saviour Jesus, thank you so much for this moment. Thank you the reminder I so need; that I am not doing this worldly existence alone, that you are right by my side and right where I need you. Praying thanks in your Wonderful Name, Amen.
PS: After re-reading the email, another sentence stands out, being - "A yoke is an instrument used to harness two animals together so that they can combine their strength to carry a load." It's very comforting to know that I am harnessed together with Jesus; a team and a pair. It is a very comforting thought.
Praise the LORD for the "moments" you are having with Him as He reveals Himself to you on a deeper level as your heart opens wider and wider to receive Him.
ReplyDeleteBless you Paula.
Paula, that's awesome. I love this moment. I never thought that verse in this way. Jesus and me side by side all the time. Thank you dear friend.
ReplyDeleteLove you,
Carol
I also receive their daily emails and have been drawn to Ann Spangler's book too. I'm so glad you had one of those special moments. I love that verse.
ReplyDelete