The Yoke of the Lord 

   “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your soul.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt 11: 28 – 30). 

   In today’s world we hear little of yokes but in times past they were well-known.  Most people may not know that the yoke that was used for oxen to pull loads was specific to each pair of oxen.  They were adjusted to take advantage of the strengths of each animal and to compensate for the weaknesses of each.  They balanced the load.

   In our relationship with our Lord it is much the same.  His yoke is not placed only upon us, but He shares it with us.  He increases our strengths and lessens our weaknesses.  We are to be a team with the Lord, giving our best to the effort and looking to Him for the strength and determination to do better.

   I take great comfort in the fact that His yoke is easy and His burden light.  He is telling me that when I have reached my limit He will be there to help me.  When I doubt, He will reassure me.  When I turn to Him, He will never turn away; His strength and His mercy is always with me.

   What can I return to the Lord for all His blessings, love, and mercy?  I can give Him my heart, my mind, and my soul.  I can place my trust in Him in all things knowing that He will always be with me throughout eternity.