Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

This rest is confidence in God. It is quietness and assurance. It is the belief that God works in us actively. It is peace. It’s reliance upon him to work in others and trust in his Spirit.

Rest is the reward for all who trust Christ. Let's GET THIS REST, and walk in it. Let's abide in Jesus Christ, doing nothing in our strength. Confidence in God is sweet.

First, Christ says, "Come to me.” Come to him for rest. Don't think it's found in self. It's the experience of faith in Another, even God's goodness through Jesus Christ. It's rest because he put away our sins. It's rest by his Spirit's power to work in us. It's rest because he does the work of joy and peace [Heb 13:21].

It's not something we stir up. We don't impress people with it. It's reliance on God, not self confidence. It's falling back and being nothing, so he can push you forward. It's humbling ourselves, and realizing that we can do nothing!

This rest is blessed assurance, confidence, and power, but it's only for those who come to Christ, and trust him!

Secondly, he calls, "all who labor and are heavy burdened." Are you under the yoke of your own insufficiency? Has your inability to preach, to serve, to obey gotten hold of you? Do you see yourself as an absolute failure? The gospel is for you! The self sufficient cannot stand. The Comforter comes to the comfortless, and he gives strength to the weak. Isaiah 40:29, “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.” People who can do NOTHING are the only ones he helps with his power mightily [Judges 6:11-16]. It is not the self confident or the superior; it's the person who needs God to do all.

He will give it to you. He's faithful. Do not fear with all of your sinfulness, weakness, and need. Giving rest is the gospel promise!

Thirdly, "rest". Do not carry the burden. Don't walk in guilt and shame. Put away the frustration! God's not expecting anything from us. Faith is what he commands. He wants the glory of doing everything and being our gracious provider [Rom 4:20-21]. Give him his due. Praise him by reliance. Call upon him moment by moment for your needs. Psalms 50:15, “and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

He commands us to CARRY NO BURDENS! We must rest. Jeremiah 17:21-22, “Thus says the LORD: Take care for the sake of your lives, and do not bear a burden on the Sabbath day or bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem. And do not carry a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath or do any work, but keep the Sabbath day holy, as I commanded your fathers.”