A Small Country Town

As a child I was able to roam freely around the streets with my friends and riding my bike on the quiet roads was not a worry.

Matthew 11:20-30

Reference: v.28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (TNIV Bible)

Explore: I grew up in a small country down in the western district of Victoria, Australia.  As a child I was able to roam freely around the streets with my friends and riding my bike on the quiet roads was not a worry.

As a teenager, however, this town had little to offer! There were no clothes shops, no fast food chains and no movie cinema. It all seemed pretty boring and you had to travel 100 kilometers to get anywhere half decent.

Now I live in our state’s capital city. There is traffic 24/7, cinemas, shops, and every kind of food imaginable is available. You don’t have to travel far to purchase anything your heart desires.

And yet, when the craziness and busyness of life seems to be all around me, all I want to do is head back to that small country town.

When I go back there, as soon as I step out of the car, I breathe in the fresh country air. In my hometown I can walk for miles through lush green countryside. When I go down the main street I always bump into someone who knows my family.

When I leave I always feel refreshed and rejuvenated and able to tackle whatever may be before me.

Application: I feel so blessed to have a hometown that I can go back to and yet, I know many people don’t have a place of peace and rest for themselves.

Jesus was well aware of the burdens that people endured on a daily basis and he invited people to come to Him with their concerns.

While He said this two thousand years ago, He says this to us today. Are you stressed at work? Come to Me. Are you worried about family? Come to Me. Are you concerned about a health problem? Come to Me. Are you carrying a heavy burden? Come to Me.

No matter what our problem, concern or stress, Jesus has totally got us covered. He is more refreshing than a small country town and He can give us greater nourishment than fresh air.

Prayer: Lord, so often the worries of my world seem to overwhelm me. I bring them to You today. Amen.

Share with God what your worries are for today.

concern, Matthew, problems, rest, worries