One man challenged another to an all-day wood chopping contest. The challenger worked very hard, stopping only for a brief lunch break. The other man had a leisurely lunch and took several breaks during the day. At the end of the day, the challenger was surprised and annoyed to find that the other fellow had chopped substantially more wood than he had.  "I don't get it," he said. "Every time I checked, you were taking a rest, yet you chopped more wood than I did." The winning wood-cutter said, "But you didn't notice that I was sharpening my ax when I sat down to rest."

How about you? Have you been too busy to sharpen your ax? Prayer and reading the Bible is what hones us, and gives us a sharp edge. Without prayer and Bible reading, the more work you do, the duller you’ll get.

We all need to take time to stay sharp as we go about the Lord’s work. Summer time is an excellent time to pause from our busy schedules and sharpen our axes. In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened by the things of this world to come to Him:   

“28. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Jesus Himself is the source of our rest/peace. He will sharpen, hone, polish, and mold us to become effective tools/instruments in His hands.  When we put on the world’s yoke we are taking on a burden God never intended for us to bear. The cares of this world choke out anything good/worthwhile God wants to do in your life (Matt.13:22). When we take on Jesus’ yoke we learn from Him, and our souls begin to find rest and calmness. Jesus will strengthen us, and see us through any burden that is too much for us to bear. God’s Word says: “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalm 55:22).

So, how can we put on Jesus’ yoke, and get the rest and peace we are so desperately searching for? First, we need to focus on the Lord. When we do, He will give us rest and “perfect peace” ( Isa. 26:3). Peter began to sink when he took his focus off the Lord, (Matt.14:29-30). Second, we need to pray and read God’s Word instead of worrying. Third, we need to be still.  In Psalm 46:10 the Lord says: “Be still, and know that I am God….” The proper translation of “Be still” is “cease striving.” In other words—relax. Take time to relax. Stop all the activity/rushing around and doing stuff. We need time to relax, be still, and sharpen our ax. 

If you tired of life’s turmoil, then come to Christ. In His arms you will be refreshed, encouraged, strengthened, and spiritually refreshed. He is the Good Shepherd. This summer, take time to sharpen your spiritual ax.

Have a blessed summer!