In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites us to come to Him if we are experiencing weariness and feeling heavy burdened. The result of coming and resting in Him? A way that is light and easy. One of the most helpful ways of examining whether or not I am following Jesus and resting in Him is to ask: am I feeling light and easy or wearied and burdened.

It makes sense that if we are at rest in Jesus, we would have an experience that is free from an internal sense of burden and weariness. Jesus never promises that he will take away all the difficult circumstances of life. In fact, he says that we will have tribulation. But … he makes clear that following him, turning our hearts to him, and resting in him leads to an “easy yoke” and a “light burden.” In Christ, we have access to an interior freedom that is not swayed by the externals. Even so, we often find ourselves reacting and getting tripped up by the stuff of life.

For a simple examen, prayerfully review your year, month, week, or day, and ask:

When did I feel light and free & when did I feel wearied and burdened?

Notice the times, situations, or anything else that leads to answers in one way or the other. Pray and ask God what He would bring to your attention. What invitations are you sensing?