Have you ever seen a yoke?  Practically, a yoke is a sturdy wooden beam that rests across the necks of two animals (often oxen) so they can pull together. It usually has:

• Curved sections that fit around each neck.
• Pins or bows (wooden or metal fasteners) to secure it.
• A center ring or hook where ropes, chains, or a plow can be attached.In simple terms, a yoke is something that ties two things together.

Which leads to the question: What are you yoked to?

You may not have thought of it this way. But we can unintentionally attach ourselves to things in life like: 

Work: Some of us are yoked to unrealistic expectations, long hours, or the pressure to prove our worth.
Relationships: Maybe you’re yoked to unhealthy dynamics—like people-pleasing or constant conflict—that leave you drained.
Inner Critic: Have you ever had what we in the business call  “automatic negative thoughts”? They are those critical voices that can become heavy yokes if we believe them.
Stress: According to the stress cycle model (Emily & Amelia Nagoski), when we don’t complete the stress cycle, we stay “yoked” to tension in our bodies and minds.

Jesus offers us a different kind of yoke—one that doesn’t weigh us down but lifts us up:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
— Matthew 11:28–30 (NIV)

When we are yoked to Jesus, we’re not dragging ourselves through life alone. He’s beside us, steadying the weight. Psychologically, that’s like moving from toxic stress to resilience—not because the challenges disappear, but because we’re not carrying them by ourselves.

In my church, it is “Groups” season. We encourage church members to join a community group, to get connected to others. Research shows that social support lightens perceived stress. When we’re yoked with someone who carries it with us, the load doesn’t feel as heavy. Maybe you’re not in a church or even a believer, so the small group thing isn’t for you. But the social support is…its a need we all have. 

So, I’d encourage you to check in with yourself. What are you yoked with? How can you lighten your load today? 

References:

Logos Bible Software. (2016). The Lexham Bible dictionary (J. D. Barry, D. Bomar, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, D. Mangum, C. Sinclair Wolcott, & W. Widder, Eds.). Lexham Press. https://lexhampress.com/product/4305/lexham-bible-dictionary
Nagoski, E., & Nagoski, A. (2019). Burnout: The secret to unlocking the stress cycle. Ballantine Books