Rest For Our Burdens
WE CAN COUNT ON & EVEN EXPECT HELP FROM GOD!
Jesus says, “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest”. Matt.11:28
Let’s ask God if there is anything He wants to show us today. We know we are not to place our hope or expectation on things or people, but when we place our hope in God we can expect things from Him. ♥️
Going through a hardship can be a very lonely experience. Most people understand how to celebrate and rejoice with us when things are going well, but knowing how to be there for those of us who have been through trials that last for years can escape even the well-intentioned friend. Sometimes our friends are encouraging and supportive for a while, but then their patience for us and our struggle may grow thin. After they have brought us meals, prayed for us, called to encourage us and yet we remain in the same situation, they get discouraged. Some of them begin to judge us for not being able to lift ourselves up from the ongoing struggle we face. They wonder if we have some sin in our life we aren’t telling them about that prevents God from answering our prayer, or maybe we just don’t have enough faith. Although they don’t say it out loud, they think it may be our fault that we can’t break free, and all of the mercy, hope and grace they had for us has all dried up.
God never gives up on us; it’s not in His nature. He is full of mercy and grace towards us, and His presence is available to help us in times of need. (Ps. 46:1) He does not get overwhelmed with our troubles, and invites us to keep coming to Him.
“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?” Matthew 7:7-11
If you’re tired, and feel crushed under the weight of your burden, unfasten it and roll it onto Jesus. He is walking beside you, and has strong shoulders for the job. If you don’t even have the energy to unfasten your burden, He can help you with that if you ask. In my own desperation He has lifted my burden and tied it to His back, and when I’ve been too weak to go on, He scooped me up and carried me in His arms. That is why I know He wants to do it for you too, my friend. Turn to Him today, interact with Him and see what He says about what you’re going through.
