Life can be hard at times, both physically and spiritually. Jesus knew that, without Him, we would have a hard time dealing with life. That is why He said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Jesus can give rest to the lonely. Life can make us lonely; through imprisonment (of various kinds), divorce, loss of loved ones, alcohol, drugs, and military service. Jesus can fill those empty spots in our lives.

Jesus can give rest to those who worry. Worry comes from fear. We fear the unknown and the uncertain. An unstable economy, a government without a vision, and a struggling society cause many to question their future. Jesus takes care of that; He promises us the strength we need to face our challenges. “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). And the final promise is of a home with Him at the end of our lives! Jesus is bigger than any fear we may have.

Jesus can give rest to the grieving. The world struggles with death because the world only lives for this world. With Jesus, we have the hope of something far more precious than what this world has to offer us. With Jesus, we will see again someday the ones we have lost.

Jesus gives rest to those with no hope. Satan wants us to think that there are no solutions to the problems that we face and he wants us to lose hope. With Jesus, we have hope! Jesus went to the cross to give rest to a troubled world. With Jesus, we have the sweet rest we need.  – adapted from an article by Donnie Carnathan, West Erwin Church of Christ, Tyler, Texas