His yoke is easy and His burden light

Somewhere in the past week a whats-app post appeared on my phone with a picture of a yoked pair of oxen and the message with it read something to this effect:

A teacher read the following scripture to her class one day:

 Mathew 11:28-30

 ²⁸ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Then she asked the class what a yoke is.  Some children could explain the yoke very well as they were familiar with how a yoke works on a farm, but one little girl put up her hand and said: 

"I think its when we are having a difficult, trying time and God puts His arm around our necks and helps us through that difficult time"   

I just thought it is such a profound picture to keep in mind.  When we are struggling, God does not leave us alone.  He puts His arm around us and helps us break up our fallow ground so that when the rain comes, the ground is ready to receive the seed and to produce the growth in us.  

Hosea 10:12-13

Sow for yourselves righteousness;
Reap in mercy;
Break up your fallow ground,
For it is time to seek the Lord,
Till He comes and rains righteousness on you.

His yoke is easy and His burden is light because He is the stronger covenant partner - the one that puts His arm around our necks and ploughs with us... 

Oh my Soul - Casting Crowns