COME UP HIGHER GROUND By Sally I. Kennedy

"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

Often, as I gaze out the kitchen window in the mornings, there is a bird, usually a dove, perched on a palm tree branch that's yet unfurled From that tippy top vantage point, he can see clearly, for quite a ways, in all directions. The branch might bend and sway, but he doesn't leave until he's ready to take flight again.

I've met people from all walks of life, in various situations, who seem so tired. Not the cheerful lighthearted way that we hear we can be..... wearing the world, and its' cares, as a garment and not a dark consuming cloud enveloping us. Just tired.

We have promises in the Bible about that. One I really like is in the eleventh chapter of Matthew (verses 28-30), where Jesus talks about coming to Him and letting Him give us rest.

There are several translations and meanings for the word "come" in scripture, for example it might mean "come up". And a "yoke" can be something shared by a pair, two with one purpose or task.

Can't you just picture Jesus, our friend, holding out His hand to you, and speaking softly, Hey, you don't have to stay under your circumstances. Bring all your stuff, your cares, your angst, bring it to me. I'll take care of things. I'll take care of you, I'll give you rest for your soul-tired body.

Today, my plan is to purpose and decide to give Him my cares and concerns....come up to that higher ground, and have peace 'in the midst' of everything.

Thank you, Lord, for Your offer, and Your promise! That is good news.