LABOR DAY
Matthew 11:28
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Discover It
Labor Day is a holiday where we pause to honor the hard work and contributions of workers across the country. It's a day to reflect on the value of work, but also to think about the importance of rest. And in our scripture for today we learn that Jesus understands the pressures and challenges we face. He knows that life can be difficult, and He wants us to find our rest in Him. When we trust in Jesus and give Him our burdens, we experience a peace that goes beyond physical rest. This is a rest that calms our hearts, clears our minds, and fills us with hope.
Whatever work we do, whether at our jobs, in school, or around the home, sometimes, this work can make us feel tired or overwhelmed. But in Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites all of us who feel weary or burdened to come to Him. He offers us rest—not just physical rest, but a deep, spiritual rest that renews our souls. Labor is important, but so is rest. Just as God rested on the seventh day after creating the world, He wants us to rest and refresh ourselves regularly. However, the rest Jesus offers is more than just taking a break from work—it's about finding peace in His presence and relying on His strength.
Ask It
1. What does "rest" mean to you? How do you usually rest after a busy day or week?
2. How do you feel when you try to carry all your burdens by yourself?
3. Why do you think Jesus wants us to come to Him when we are feeling tired or burdened?
4. How can we make time to find rest in Jesus, even when life is busy?
5. Can you think of a time when you felt God's peace during a difficult situation? How did it help you?
Live It
1. Reflect on Your Labor: Take some time as a family to think about the different kinds of work you each do. How can you balance your responsibilities with the need for rest?
2. Practice Sabbath Rest: This week, choose a day or a specific time when you will focus on resting in God. Use this time to pray, read Scripture, and relax in His presence.
3. the Burden: If someone in the family is feeling particularly burdened or stressed, take a moment to pray together, asking Jesus to provide rest and peace.
Pray It
Dear Lord, Thank You for Your invitation to come to You when we are weary and burdened. We are grateful for the rest You offer us, not only for our bodies but for our souls. Help us to trust You with our worries and to find peace in Your presence. Teach us to balance our work with rest and remind us that true rest comes from relying on You. As we celebrate Labor Day, let us remember that You are the source of all strength and comfort. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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