“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
