The Cure For A Restless Soul

Subject: Eternal Peace

Scripture: Matthew 11.28-29

Sermon: The Cure for a Restless Soul

Scope: This sermon should challenge each listener to come to Christ to find eternal and internal rest.

Summary: Every human being is seeking rest for the soul and Jesus offers it to all who will come to Him.

Segue: I want to share some truths from our text that will help you find the soul rest you need.

Introduction: By now everyone has heard of the death of actor Heath Ledger. Just a few days ago this up and coming young actor was found dead in his lower Manhattan apartment.

From the outside looking in it would seem that he had it made. He had truly found the American dream. He had fame and fortune. Yet, this 28 year old man who seemed to have it all was found naked face down on the floor amongst the remains sleeping pills and antidepressants.

We do not yet know all of the details surrounding Mr. Ledger’s death, but it still appears that in spite of his fortune and fame he was a troubled man. He is not alone, because Hollywood has its share of disturbed stars and starlets. Just as they reach their height of fame and fortune it seems that many of these young actors and actresses begin down the slope of despair and depression.

They try new love, new drugs, and numerous other outrageous things to try to fill the emptiness they feel inside. Why do these successful people so often seem so empty and lost? Well, most of the time it is because they are empty and lost. No matter what pleasure they try it never fills the void they possess within.

They are seeking the same thing all of us seek. At some point in our lives each of us realizes the pain of emptiness we have within and set out to find inner peace of soul rest. We like they seek what Jesus describes in our text today.

All of us experience this need for inner peace. All too often we, like some of the rich and famous, try to find that peace in physical pleasure. Some turn to alcohol. Some turn to drugs. Others turn to sex or another relationship. The list goes on. However, no matter how hard we try; no matter what we try; nothing seems to work and the emptiness lingers on.

Maybe you are here today and you know exactly what I am talking about. Maybe today you are experiencing that emptiness within and you are desperately in search of soul rest. Well today I have good news for you. You don’t have to leave hear with emptiness in your heart. Today, you can leave with inner and eternal peace. Today you can experience soul rest.

The question is how? I’m glad you asked. Jesus gives us the answer in today’s text. So, I want to share some truths with you from this passage that will help you find the soul rest you so desperately need.

I. Hear His Plea.

a. Come To Him

1. Come for forgiveness (1 John 1.9).

2. Come in faith (John 3.18; Rom. 10.9-10).

3. Come fully yielded (Matt. 10.34-39).

b. Take His yoke

1. Exchange your drudgery for His victory

2. Engage in kingdom Activity

c. Learn From Him

1. This begins with a mind transformation (Phil. 2.5; Rom. 12.2).

2. This continues with meditation on the word of God (Jer. 6.16; Is. 8.20).

II. Hear His Promise.

a. He will GIVE you eternal Rest (Matt. 11.28c).

b. You will find internal rest (Matt. 11.29c).

Conclusion: I remember in the Batman movie the Joker once said to Vickie Vail, "I may be smiling on the outside, but I am crying within." What about you today? Are you crying within? Are you in need of soul rest? Then why don’t you come to Jesus today? He will give you rest. He will give you internal peace. He is the answer to your deepest hurt or pain. Hear His plea again today - Come unto me all you who are burdened and heavy laden I will give you rest.