January 14, 2026

For most of my Christian life, and honestly for most of my life period,  I have wrestled with one thing or another. There always seems to be something going on. Struggles, conflicts, adversity, trials, afflictions, loss – I’ve seen and been through a lot. 

I have experienced internal striving, and sometimes external pressures – sometimes both at the same time.  Sometimes there were struggles with consequences for my own actions, and other times there were trials that I didn’t ask for, invite, or create. 

If it wasn’t one thing, it’s been another, but always something going on.

Have you ever heard a word from the LORD that was both confusing and comforting?  Jesus’ whole idea of an ‘easy yoke,’ has been both haunting and helpful, depending on the circumstance..

“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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Matthew 11:29-30

I have read, sang, meditated, written about this passage before, but today it just dawned on me that the ‘easy yoke’ that Jesus speaks of is directly related to one’s willingness to heed to His guidance and yield to the direction of the Holy Spirit.  

In a word – OBEDIENCE.

Sadly, most of us (present company included), are absolutely committed to learning things the hard way.  We resist surrendering as a sign of strength, and we commit ourselves to struggle unnecessarily, when submission is actually the goal.  

Plainly put – we make things harder on ourselves than necessary because of our own stubbornness of heart, pridefulness, and hard-headedness.  

‘I did it my way…’  (imagine my best impression of Frank Sinatra) 

But what if we may avoid some of life’s harshest lessons by learning how to listen, by learning how to be led, by being willing to accept corrections, and sometimes just by asking for help!?

Alas, I am a stubborn man.  Will you pray with me?

LORD, grant me more grace to LEARN from YOU. LORD, that I might accept this easy yoke and  find rest for my soul. 

Amen

Good Morning, I love you all!

ihs,

just adam