Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ 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. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Hold this close to your heart; the Mighty God we serve loves you and has your name, address, and a list of your needs and desires. As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God today, godliness became my focus.

Sadly, too often, even the most well-intentioned fall into the trap of religious legalistic living. How many times have I heard someone say, “I’m trying to live for God!”  That’s the problem, you are trying to live godly through the strength of the flesh.  It is impossible for you to live for God. We have to live a life that flows from Him as He lives “in” us.  The godliness of our lives is His life, nature, and character shining through.

In Matthew 11:28-30, we have the infamous declaration of Jesus to take on His yoke.   Some have the mistaken view that coming to Jesus and giving Him our concerns means immediate ease and that all our problems magically go away.  Godliness is not ease but trust.  It is not the absence of problems but the faith and courage to endure. It is to relax rather than fretting and trying to figure out how to fix it.

Flesh-driven lives have no true peace.  Godliness overflows from peace.   In the parable of the sower, we see a picture of life.  How many hear the Word, the Promise, or the prophetic and rejoice only to find that shortly their focus is on the problem and their joy is gone.  They toss and turn, worry, and fret, and are left empty. (Matthew 13:20-21).

In Matthew 14, we have Jesus walking on the water and Peter’s request. Peter got the Rhema “come.”  We get that Word in our situations.  We have a choice: faith or fear. Faith gets out of the boat and stands on the Word. Then many find that they are like Peter, they refocus, and the cares of life overwhelm them. If we are going to enjoy the provision of a life of godliness, we must not lose focus and refocus on the cares of life. He is God!

We must decide to die to the flesh and allow the Holy Spirit to bring the life of Jesus to fullness in us. The song “I Surrender All” is our need.   When did God put us in charge?   He didn’t?  Then, why are we trying to do what only He can do?

LORD, help us to live godly lives totally surrendered to You!