“Are you weary of the pace of this world? Does the never-ending deluge of information from the media wear you out? God promises that when we meet him, we find our true rest along these ancient paths—not in a new technology, a new medication, or the passage of new legislation, but through intentionally and habitually coming to Jesus and casting our burdens upon him. Only there do we find true and enduring rest.” — Ed Stetzer
Lightness Hot coals burn these palms of mine as a daily kind of frantic juggling act goes on. Each burden sears my soul as I grasp tightly at insubstantial things which dissipate like smoke, like lifeless rings blowing here and there. But if I pause, slow down, breathe you in with every inhalation I take, my empty hands of faith become filled with rich gifts of Light, of Life Hope, Joy, and Peace. Here in the stillness I let my burdens drop down Into your waiting hands, falling as dust, without form, substanceless. Each weighty care flows freely as if it were a balloon, a mist, but vapour rising then falling over distant hills. I watch them all floating on a breeze while lightness also fills my mind, my heart, my spirit, and a smile twitches itself onto my upturned lips. © joylenton
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” — Matthew 11:28-30 The Message
“I am about to go to sleep and so I turn over to him all those people I have been carrying in my heart. He never slumbers, he never sleeps, he never fatigues, he never stumbles. I won’t pick them up again unless he prompts me to do so. His burden is light, his yoke is easy. He carries the heavy end of the load, always. I am just his kid, carrying what I can carry, and he is a good Dad and never gives me a burden that would discourage or harm me by its weight.” — Katherine Walden
May I pray for you?
Lord Jesus,
Turn our hearts more in the direction of your face, your heart, your voice, your love. Reveal just what unnecessary loads and heavy burdens we might be carrying, and encourage us to let them fall at your feet, where we receive your Peace.
May we sense the wisdom of spending quality time in your Presence to offload our cares and concerns and become strengthened. Help reorient our anxious souls back to faith, back to calm, back to rest, and back to hope.
Amen
Poetry Joy 
Dear Joy,
Oh this, so very precious:
“Here in the stillness
I let my burdens
drop down
Into your waiting hands,
falling as dust,
without form,
substanceless.”
So very much where my longings are today. Thank you for sharing poetry and prayers that lifted my eyes to Him. Sending prayers, love, and hugs for you today too! Xoxo
Dear Bettie, I’m so glad those lines spoke to you. The poem arose from a time of prayer when I felt overwhelmed and burdened by the enormity of challenges before us. It was only in the lifting of my eyes to God that I could see how He would help us manage every single one by His grace alone. And that what I saw as an immovable mountain began to slowly dissolve into dust. We can rise to and live above all of our circumstances when we seek His face and release whatever heavy burdens we are carrying. May you and your beloved husband sense that comfort, ease, and peace in your own season of busyness and overwhelm. May you rest in God’s almighty provision and grace for your every need, day by day. Prayers, love and hugs to you, too, dear friend! xoxo 💟
Hi-
I am glad to have stumbled across your blog! Lovely poems.
Hi Candice, sorry for the late reply. Your comment slipped through the net somehow and I’ve only just seen it because I’ve been absent here for a few months. It’s sweet of you to visit and leave a lovely comment, and it’s always good to meet a fellow poet! Bless you. 😊🌺
Hoping to see more from you and btw, it’s Devika here.:)
Thank you, Devika, please accept my apologies for getting your name wrong. I found your books on Amazon but seem to have muddled you up with your editor. Oops… 😉
I’m still writing poetry and hope to share some soon on the blogs when I’m feeling a bit stronger. Happy writing, friend. x
I love the quotes at the beginning and end. And of course, your poem binding them together. Thank you for sharing.
Deborah, I hoped the quotes would help frame the poem in context, so I’m pleased you think they fit well with it. Thank you for stopping by to leave a lovely, thoughtful comment. Blessings of lightness, grace and peace to you, my friend. xo ❤️
Amen🙏🏻
Thank you, Athira. I’m glad these thoughts resonated with you. Have a blessed weekend. 😊❤️
It’s truly a blessing…Most welcome and thank you!
This was a wonderful post Joy.
Hope you are well.
Hello Drew, welcome back to blogging! It’s good to see you again, my friend. I’m doing okay, thanks. More importantly, how are you doing after your heart surgery? I do hope and pray you are recovering well. Sending blessings and healing, strengthening prayers to you. 😊