Article December 22, 2014 Issue

Finding refuge and rest in God

Georgia Bulloch

It seems like everywhere we turn, we hear about the increasing stress of demands placed on us: on the job, in our families, sometimes even on vacation. The joy of accomplishment, the satisfaction of a job well done, and kudos from the boss may not seem to stave off stress—especially when we feel personally responsible for all the work. Advertisements promise relief from health issues associated with such anxiety through physical exercise, artistic expression, special seminars, and the use of drugs to calm and control—at least temporarily—our stress.

But these kinds of measures aren’t intended to get rid of stress entirely, just to manage it. Is merely coping the best we can hope for?

Christ Jesus, who faced a great deal throughout his life, found his strength and energy in an entirely different source, in the understanding of his real selfhood, or Christ—even in the face of constant demands from multitudes of people to teach and heal. In fact, Jesus called everyone to the Christ, the Truth he taught and demonstrated. The Bible records him saying: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30).

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