Becoming Yoked with Christ

Walk with Christ

Becoming Yoked with Jesus Christ: On the Addiction Recovery Path.

In Matthew 11:28–30, the Savior lovingly invites us:“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), this invitation holds profound meaning, especially for those navigating the challenging path of addiction recovery. Becoming yoked with Jesus Christ is not merely a comforting metaphor but a transformative reality that can lead to lasting healing and peace.

Understanding the Yoke

In ancient times, a yoke was a wooden frame used to pair two oxen together so they could share the load of pulling a plow or cart. One ox was often more experienced, guiding the other through the task. Similarly, Christ invites us to share our burdens with Him. He doesn’t remove the weight entirely, but He bears the brunt of it, making it manageable as we learn to walk in His strength.

In addiction recovery, the yoke symbolizes surrender and partnership. It’s a shift from trying to conquer our challenges alone to allowing Christ to guide, strengthen, and sustain us.

The Role of Surrender

Step 3 of the 12-step addiction recovery program emphasizes turning our will and lives over to the care of God. This step is central to becoming yoked with Christ. Many who struggle with addiction feel trapped in a cycle of shame, guilt, and self-reliance, trying desperately to break free on their own. But true recovery begins when we surrender our pride and admit, as a 17-year-old recovering addict once said:

“I cannot win on my own. Only Christ, my Redeemer, can win. Only through His power, only by becoming yoked with Him, can I win.”

This surrender is not an act of defeat but a declaration of trust in the One who knows us perfectly and has already borne our burdens through His infinite Atonement.

Learning to Walk Beside Him

Being yoked with Christ involves active participation. It requires effort, commitment, and a willingness to follow His lead. In the context of addiction recovery, this means:

1. Daily Repentance: Regularly turning to the Lord in humility and asking for forgiveness and strength.

2. Scripture Study and Prayer: Anchoring your life in Christ by seeking His guidance and wisdom.

3. Service: Shifting focus from personal struggles to blessing others, as Christ would.

4. Community Support: Participating in recovery meetings and leaning on the strength of others who are also striving to walk with Christ.

A New Heart and a New Life

The Savior’s promise to make our burden light is not limited to temporary relief. It extends to a complete transformation of the heart. As Ezekiel 36:26 teaches:“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.”

In recovery, this new heart is reflected in changing desires. As we become yoked with Christ, our focus shifts from the addiction to Him. We begin to want Him more than we want our “favorite sins.” Over time, the chains of addiction are replaced with the freedom of discipleship.

Finding Rest in Christ

The rest the Savior offers is not just physical or emotional but deeply spiritual. It is the peace that comes from knowing we are not alone in our journey. As we align our will with His and trust in His timing, we discover that His grace truly is sufficient.

For those struggling with addiction, becoming yoked with Christ is the path to freedom. It is a journey of surrender, trust, and transformation. With Christ beside us, we can find the strength to carry any burden and the courage to press forward, one step at a time.

As we take His yoke upon us, we will find rest for our souls, and in that rest, the healing we so desperately seek.