In 1863, the Civil War was raging, and the end was far from sight. Abraham Lincoln was out for a ride with his friend and longtime aide, Noah Brooks. Brooks, noticing the President’s obvious fatigue, suggested he take a brief rest when they got back to the White House. “A rest,” Lincoln replied, “I don’t know about rest. I suppose it is good for the body, but the tired part of me is inside and out of reach.” Do you understand that? Often the tired part of us is inside our souls. Soul stress is worry, fear, guilt, resentment, anger. Soul stress is the stuff that churns deep inside. Soul stress demands soul rest. No pill, no program, no vacation, or nap will do. Jesus says, “Come to me, and I will give you rest for your soul.” People come to Jesus for a lot of different reasons. People come out of curiosity, to ask a question, to be healed, looking for forgiveness, because they are upset, have a problem, want advice, or seeking eternal life. But here Jesus offers a specific invitation, “Come to me for rest.” Not just any kind of rest but soul rest. This is an invitation that can save your life. “Come unto me,” Jesus said, “And I will give you rest.”
– Dr. Tim Thompson