Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Do you feel worn out, run down, or sucked dry? Have you been burning the candle at both ends? Are you feeling rattled, ragged, reactionary and in need of repair? Has busyness backed you into a corner? Have you exhausted life because life has exhausted you? Are you buckling under the burden? Has your get up and go, got up and gone?

Jesus says, “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 (NIV).

If you are weary and burdened, here are three steps to recovery:

1. “Come.” Self help books say “Do.” Jesus says, “Come . . . Come to me.” He is the One who can help you. He can make level paths for your feet (cf. Jeremiah 31:9). He can fill your cup to overflowing (cf. Psalm 23:5). He can give you strength, renew you through His Word, fill you with His Spirit. But He won’t help if you won’t come. You must come to Him by faith. Surrender and obedience are prerequisites. You must bring your baggage and lay it at His feet. Offload the cares and concerns you’re carrying. Stop trying to go it alone. Recognise that a burden shared is a burden halved.

2. “Take.” Psychiatrists and psychologists say “Pay.” Jesus says, “Take . . . Take my yoke upon you.” To “take my yoke” means “become my disciple.” In order to take, you have to submit. He must become greater; you must become less (cf. John 3:30). Your perspective must change. It can no longer be about you. It must be about Him. That’s not as tough as it seems. His commands are not burdensome (cf. 1 John 5:3-5).

3. “Learn.” We say, “I’ll drink coffee, swallow pills, eat chocolate or sleep.” Jesus says, “Learn . . . learn from me.” There are all sorts of band aids for weariness but only one sure cure. To break the cycle of weariness you need a process. When we learn more about Him we find the peace that passes all understanding, the love that endures, the courage to press on, a hope that is certain, and a victory that is secure.