“Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you
rest. Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for
yourselves. My yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light.”
- Matthew 11:28 – 30
The Chancel Choir is working on an anthem entitled “Share My Yoke” with lyrics by Joy Webb. The lyrics begin this way:
When I’m tired and nothing’s going right for me;
When things I’ve counted on just do not come my way;
When in my mind the thick grey clouds of doubt arise,
It’s then I seem to hear Him say:
Share my yoke and find that I am joined with you,
Your slightest movement I shall feel and be there too!
Share my yoke and come the way that I must go!
In our “togetherness” my peace you’ll know;
The world beholding us will see it so.
Often we think of a yoke as something that binds us and keeps us pinned down. However, its purpose is to actually help relieve the load by dividing it between those that are yoked together. What seems like a cruel tool for work is in reality and tool to make work and life easier.
I particularly like the phrase that says “Your slightest movement I shall feel and be there, too!” How comforting to know that our Comforter is so close to us that with every movement we make, it is felt and followed to keep supporting us and giving us peace and comfort. When we feel like we have come to the point of collapsing (and we have all been there during this past year!), it is wonderful to know that we are bound to the One that loves us the most and will guide, protect, and give us strength.
May we always remember that on those days that nothing seems to be going right, on those days that life seems way too difficult, and on those days that it seems like all is hopeless – we do have Comforter that is yoked with us, feeling every movement, knowing every thought, and guiding us by gently nudging us in the direction we should go.
Then “In our ‘togetherness’ [God’s] peace [we’ll] know.”
Written By: Michael Plantz