Paul Ladd is Senior Correspondent for the KNLS English Hour. He is an award-winning reporter who has worked in both broadcast and print journalism. Paul has interviewed countless newsmakers and has also broadcast live from the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile and a hot air balloon. A native of West Chester, Pennsylvania, Paul enjoys movies, books, Pilates, cooking, music and the Philadelphia Phillies.
Do you ever get tired after a day at the office or wherever you work? I don’t know about you, but I certainly do. A lot of times, I just want to sit back and do nothing when I get home.
At the end of a day or week, it’s not unusual to be tired. We want to rest after a day of labor.
Sometimes, we are not just physically tired, but also mentally or emotionally tired. And we might find that we are spiritually tired at times.
When we are tired, it’s important to rest. In many cultures, resting or taking a break is seen as a sign of weakness. But that is not the case. Rest is important because it refreshes us physically and mentally. If we are rested, we’re better able to do whatever it is that we need to do. So rest is actually a sign of strength.
Jesus knew the importance of rest. We read in the Bible that He rested on occasion. He understood how important rest is to our physical and mental health.
If it’s OK for our Lord to be tired and rest, then it is for us as well.
In fact, Jesus wants us to rest. He offers us a special kind of rest. It’s a spiritual rest.
In the New Testament Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 11, verses 28 through 30 read like this:
“If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light.”
The challenges and problems of life can make us feel very mentally and spiritually tired. Jesus understands this, and that’s why He wants us to come to Him for rest.
Just imagine how much better you will feel, knowing that Jesus is taking on your problems. He’s there with you. There’s no problem too big for Him to handle. And no matter how tired you may be, Jesus will give you the rest that refreshes you and makes you ready to face whatever challenges your life has to offer.
Written by Paul Ladd | 
