SUBMITTING TO GOD

Jesus said, "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 (Matthew 11:29)." A yoke is a device that is put on oxen to plow the field or pull a cart. It signifies submission or surrender. When oxen are yoked, they submit to their master's lead. Jesus is saying to us that when we take His yoke upon us, it means that we are willing to submit our lives to Him, for this is the only way that He can teach us. The problem of the religious leaders during the time of our Lord Jesus was that they submitted themselves to the law of God, but they did not submit their hearts to God. They honor God with their lips (actions), but their hearts are far away from God (Matthew 15:8). Many Jews became so overwhelmed with the law of God that they were all burdened by it. They attempted to follow it with their own strengths, but they were unable. As a result, they couldn't find rest for their souls. They didn't have inner peace because they couldn't fulfill the law's demands. The only way that they can fulfill the law of God is through our Lord Jesus.

Jesus is telling the Jews that instead of trying to fulfill God's law on their own, they should submit to him because his ways are not burdensome but light. We often feel burdened when we try to please God with our own strength. Jesus is encouraging us this morning to submit ourselves first to Him. To submit or surrender to our Lord Jesus means to let go of control and let Him lead us. As long as we try to figure out our next move or plan our future without God, we are not submitting to Him. We are still carrying our own burden. When we are afraid to let go of control, we must remind ourselves that our Lord Jesus is humble and gentle in heart. He knows our weaknesses, and He knows how to care for us. When we submit to Him, we will learn from Him, and He will give us the strength and wisdom that we need to follow and please Him.

The only way to find rest for our souls is to submit to God and learn from Him. When we are tired of carrying our burdens, let us let go of control and surrender to God, and let Him teach us, for He is humble and gentle in heart. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What must I do to find rest for my soul? Why is it so important to me to submit to God? Am I willing to let go of the control and let God lead me?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, I am tired of carrying my own burden and longing for the rest of my soul. I am letting go of trying to control everything and giving my life over to you. Please teach me your ways and help me to obey you. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.