Reflecting on Lent: A Journey of Growth and Rest

We find ourselves in the midst of Lent, a season dedicated to spiritual growth, reflection, and drawing closer to God. This year, I’ve approached Lent a bit differently by giving up screens after 8:00 PM and adding daily mass to my schedule. This change has helped me foster a deeper connection with God and find incredible peace and rest.

It’s easy to be hard on ourselves when we feel we haven’t achieved certain spiritual goals, like completing a devotional plan. However, God’s love reminds me that the daily intentions we set, like attending mass, are significant. Remember, seeking God every day is itself a precious gift.

Bible Study: Finding Rest in Scripture

Today’s episode is all about finding true rest in God, inspired by my own experiences during Lent. We’re diving into Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus invites us to find rest for our souls in Him. Let’s break down these verses and explore what they mean for us.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Jesus invites all of us, weighed down by life’s burdens, to find solace in Him. In our culture, we often seek rest through worldly distractions like social media or TV. But Jesus offers deeper peace, inviting us to hand over our burdens to Him.

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.”
Understanding this passage is crucial. A yoke, traditionally used to link animals together for plowing, here symbolizes teaming up with Jesus to share our burdens. By aligning our lives with Christ and learning from Him, we discover genuine rest and ease in God’s love and gentleness.

Trusting God with Our Struggles

In our Bible study group, we discussed the trust required to surrender our burdens to God. Trusting doesn’t mean life becomes effortless, but it allows us to share our trials with Jesus, lightening our load and bringing true peace. Instead of relying solely on our strength, we learn to rely on God’s grace.

Practical Steps to Surrender and Find Rest

How can we practically give our burdens to God? Here are a few ways:

• Morning Prayer and Surrender: Start with a daily offering to set your intentions and invite God’s guidance throughout your day.
• Mass and Sacraments: Regularly attending mass not only roots us in our faith but also allows us to offer up our burdens during the Eucharist.
• Honoring the Sabbath: Commit to keeping Sundays holy. Avoid using it as a catch-up day, and instead focus on rest and worship.

Conclusion: Walking with Christ Towards Peace

Life doesn’t exempt us from burdens, but walking with Christ makes them bearable. Let this reflection encourage you to look to Jesus when the going gets tough and to find solace in His gentle embrace. The peace and true rest that come from handing our burdens over to God are unmatched.

I hope this reflection and Bible study inspire you to seek deeper spiritual rest and share this message with those in need. Together, let’s continue to spread faith, hope, and the promise of Christ’s peace. Thank you for joining today’s Bible study on The Ever Be Podcast.

Stay encouraged, and may your journey through Lent and beyond be filled with the profound rest only God can provide. If this message resonates with you or a friend, feel free to share this blog post and spread the love and faith. God bless!