Center on existing in God, Christ

Matthew 11:28-30 (New International Version): “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.”

This little piece of scripture has always stood out to me as a great gateway into Christian life and experience. What good is a faith in God that doesn’t lead to joy?

When I gave my life to God it seemed like all my problems that weighed me down were lighter and, in time, vanished completely. Since I became a pastor, a different kind of weight was added. The weight of doing. I have heard it said that if Satan can’t make you evil, he will make you busy. My experience says that this is a true statement.

Sometimes we work so hard we lose our joy of merely existing as loved children of the Most High, and the joy of our salvation fades. Fortunately there is a simple remedy. Focus on being rather than doing. Centering on existing in Christ as sufficient for life helps us to slow down, pray, meditate, and be in relationship with God rather than being consumed with serving God. When we prioritize being over doing then our souls are properly aligned and the doing flows from a place of love, peace, and acceptance. May the Lord bless you and keep you

Evan Cookman is pastor of Covenant Fellowship.