“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” | Matthew 11:28

Last night, our family spontaneously decided to pitch a tent in the back yard. Our little “camping trip” pushed me to break away from the normal, daily routine – the pull of household chores, dishes, laundry, and the seemingly endless to-do lists. The cooler temps were just perfect  for being outside, and as my family and I came together in the tent, I could feel myself begin to let down. The stress that I had been carrying began to melt away. I started to enjoy the simple things in life that I tend to overlook; the sound of crickets chirping, the cool breeze, the rustling of the tree branches, and being present with those I love. It was a time to set aside emails and social media, and to enjoy the small wonders of life.

As I began to ponder on the beauty and simplicity of these things, I realized what a gift it was to just let down again. I began to feel the Lord say to me, “It is time to cease from your heavy labor and just enter into My sweet, refreshing rest. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matthew 11:30).” 

He continued to minister to my weary heart, saying, “I have heard your prayers and the many areas of breakthrough that you have been contending for. Your prayers have continually come before Me like a sweet incense, and they have now reached the tipping point (Revelation 8:4). I know you have spent countless hours in the secret place, praying and interceding. What you have been contending for and waging war against in the spirit realm has not been in vain. In the time of My favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you (Isaiah 49:8).”

He is saying to us today, “Help is on the way. I have seen your faithfulness, even when you have felt as if heaven had turned into brass. Your season of waiting and contending is over! I am going to refresh you with answers and provisions that I am surely bringing. I have seen that you have become battle weary, and I am even now bringing My refreshing presence, healing, and rejuvenation to your soul. As you cease your striving and enter into My rest, you will begin to see the pieces fall into place. I am working as you rest.”

When the Lord restores, “our mouths [will be] filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it [will be] said among the nations, ‘The LORD has done great things for them'” (Psalm 126:2).