How to Find Peace of Soul
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:28-29 (ESV)
You look for peace where it is not found — in the solving of your problems, in the silence of others, in the perfect rest you promise yourself for the weekend. Meanwhile, Jesus says something else: come to me. He did not call the unweary, the self-assured, those comfortable in their skin. He called precisely the weary and the heavy laden.
The peace He offers is not a reward for those who have managed to calm down; it is a rest given, for your souls — that is, at the deepest part of you. You do not have to arrive clean. You arrive as you are, and He is the one who carries you.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.
Psalm 23:2-3 (ESV)
In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.
Isaiah 30:15 (ESV)
Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.
Psalm 116:7 (ESV)