Developing a Gentle Spirit In A World of Chaos

SUSAN M DICK
Nov 13
3 min read

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

Have you ever felt that if you just exerted more effort, dug a bit deeper, or strived a little harder, everything would magically fall into place?

If you’re like me, most days you embrace the rhythm of your routine, and your ‘to do’ list is one you can’t wait to start, or at least attempt. But what happens when the world around you feels heavy, or worse yet, curve balls seem to hit you out of nowhere?

Despite life’s disruptions, bickering, screaming, and disordered desires, you and I are invited to rest in the peace that only God can give. It is in the sharing of our ups and downs, and turning from the harsh, unyielding voices in our culture, that His unshakable strength becomes our own.

In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus promises rest for your soul.

In a soft, tender voice Jesus calls, “Come to me, all 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).

Jesus tells us He is gentle and humble in heart. The Greek word for gentle is “praus,” and describes a strength that is intentionally restrained, which enabled Jesus to stand firm on his Father’s promises. You and I must persevere in faith, be grounded in Truth, and live out his Father’s promises, too.

Full of mercy and compassion Jesus knows our discomfort. He calls his sons and daughters to him, and in turn you and I can share this same spirit of gentleness with others, knowing, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).

As new creations, you and I are here to turn the volume down.

When the world gets louder, you and I become softer. Quieter. Gentler. Freer.

Resting at his feet we let the Lord carry any extra weight, and in exchange discover ways to respond with compassion, grace, and love.

Let’s pray.

Loving Lord,

I praise you, and thank you for your promise of rest. Again and again I lay my challenges at your feet, and surrender all outcomes to you. You alone bring comfort and soothe my weary soul. Thank you, King Jesus, for wiping my tears, walking with me, and guiding me to embody your gentle and humble spirit. In gratitude, I praise your holy name.

Amen.

Thank you, sweet friend, for being here.

Until next time…

May the Spirit of God lead you,

the Word of God sustain you,

and the promises of God grant you the gift of everlasting peace.

With love and prayers.

It is my honor and privilege to pray and celebrate with you. Please email me your prayer requests and praises to sue@faithfirstwomen.com.

A Special Invitation🙏

If you or someone you know would like to start your week with others in prayer, please consider joining me for our Monday morning Prayer Circle. We meet virtually to lift one another up, reflect on scripture, share intentions, and support one another along our spiritual journeys. For further details email me at sue@faithfirstwomen.com

This Week’s Reflection Questions🖊️

Envision what it would feel like to surrender your worries and anxieties, and in exchange receive rest and peace for your soul. Compose a short spontaneous prayer that arises from this teaching and today’s verses.
If you had one day to recharge your physical and emotional batteries, where would you go to rest, relax, and rejuvenate? What would you take with you? Why?
In what ways would you become gentler with yourself and others?

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