It’s easy to be on edge considering all that life throws at us, but rest helps us to regain our balance. Spiritually, when we rest in God’s ability to take care of us through faith, we avoid anxiety and depression. (Mathew 11:28-30 [NLT]) says, “Then Jesus said, Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you; because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
In her book, “HEALING YOUR DEPRESSION,” Apostle L’Tanya C. Perry, MDiv. wrote,“Rest depicts calmness, refreshing, or a state of tranquility. Man, naturally acquires this by ceasing from work for a while and most times have a good sleep. Unfortunately, this type of rest could not put an end to depression. Why? Because depression is often associated with the mind and affect the way you think, feel and act[1]–your body may look like it’s at rest but your mind battles and struggles to find peace.
Here is Christ beckoning to you in the Scripture above to slow down and hand over to Him the burden that troubles you, so you could rest from them. However, this can only work when you recognize His presence and become conscious of His capacity to help. Note the word “Come,” which means He wants you to approach Him and trust Him for help. Hannah is that woman who is constantly reminded of her infertility and inability to conceive (1 Samuel 1). Could you imagine the pain she experienced every day? Despite this, she decided in her heart to face God and pour out her heart to Him, who is able to proffer her solution. Her disposition attracted the attention of the priest (Eli), and he declared God’s blessing on her. Hannah found rest in God when she cast her burden on God.
Your burden might be a physical, mental, or spiritual condition. It might be your job, relationship, or family. Besides taking a break to rest physically, you need to deliberately hand over every burden to God.
Do you want to learn more about how to overcome depression and live a life full of laughter and fulfillment? Then get this life-transforming book, HEALING YOUR DEPRESSION by Apostle L’Tanya C. Perry, MDiv.
[1]https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression