I’m sure I overheard my dentist humming that wonderful old hymn ‘Crown Him With Many Crowns’ as I was led into his cubicle, to be parked in a reclining chair with all kinds of lights and gadgets looming overhead and to my side. Yes, to the chair…for yet another expensive dental procedure. One of many over the years. Can’t count that high. Someone has said this– be true to your teeth or they’ll be false to you! I have all my own. Sort of. Amalgams count, don’t they?

However, after all these infernal visits, I have almost no fear of the dentist. Drilled it out of me years ago. Literally. The cavities are plugged along with the old mercury fillings blasted out. Root canal topped up and sealed off. Crowns for more than the monarchs of Europe. The only gaping holes can be found lurking in our checking account.

Let me say that I really like my dentist. He’s a perfectionist with a very kind touch. Won’t let me go until whatever needs doing has been completed and to my satisfaction. I trust him. Hence the fear factor largely evaporates.

Reminds me of Jesus, who urges this–‘Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light’ (Matthew 11: 28-30). Can you think of a more promising and desirable invitation? We, who are weighted down with whatever, find a helper in Jesus. He’ll take our burdens off our shoulders and place them squarely on His own. What we’re welded to, He’ll break us loose from.

And then we’ll find that hanging around with our Lord Jesus is way over the top–loving, forgiving, filling us with life like we’ll find absolutely nowhere else. His promises are as good as gold fillings and even more so.

Read those verses in Matthew 11 again, and see if they don’t put a zip in your step, a spring in your stride, and a smile on your face while putting fears in your rearview mirror. Gaze forward, knowing who leads the way, never leaving you in the lurch. You know who that is, don’t you?

‘Come to me…’ says Jesus. Bonding with our Lord is better than dental cement. Sin’s decay gets drilled away forever. Cuddle up a little closer. Take His hands, and have a seat. Relax. Fear not.

Now admit it, that was nothing like pulling teeth, was it?

Lord Jesus, thank you for being my best friend forever. Amen.