January 8, 2021: Find Home

“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28, KJV).

The eastern box turtle is one of the most widely known turtles in West Virginia. When my kids were growing up, they caught them year after year. We have found turtles on woodland trails and even rescued them from the middle of the road countless times, bringing them home to be the family pet for a few days before releasing them again.

Two winters ago, we attended an indoor wildlife camp, sponsored by our local state park, and we learned a lot of fascinating things about our little turtle friends. One thing was that these turtles will live in the same area their entire lives. They are also born with a type of internal homing device that, if they are moved, helps them to find their way back home. These turtles will spend the rest of their lives searching restlessly for the place they were born until they either find it or die of exhaustion.

I relate this to a person’s life before they find Christ. They are always searching for something, knowing something in their lives is lacking or missing. They are tired and burdened with the world’s cares until they find their home in Christ. It is then they can take off their shoes, lean back, relax and enjoy the rest only the Savior can provide.

Dear God, let us find our rest in You. Allow Your lovingkindness to wash over us like a flood, so that we may rest in the peace only You can give. Amen.