Come Unto Me...

Over the past week, I can't number the times I have heard others talking about the weariness they are experiencing through the trial and tribulations of this life. It's a normal thing that we will continue to face until Christ's return. So, where can we find a place to hide and recuperate?

The best passage that come up in my mind is found in Matthew 11:28..."Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

The Amplified Bible reads the same passage as follows..."Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] (29) Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. (30) For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne."

I love the Amplified version's depiction of rest...it's not just about sleeping or laying around, but also of recreation and refreshment. When we get weary sometimes, we want to just take a nap, right? But, that may not be the way we need refreshed at every point along our journey. Sometimes a "blessed quiet" time alone with God is what we need. When was the last time you spent alone with God to get rejuvenated? I think He could be exactly what you need, right?

Too often, we get mired down in the muck of this world and do all we can to get ourselves out, but never turn to the Master who can reach us no matter how far down we might be. If you are weary, worn down, need some refreshment...or just need to start back anew, call on Jesus' name...He will give you the rest you so terribly need!!!

I wanted to share the picture above simply for the fact that of all the pictures we see depicting Jesus, when was the last time you saw one with Him smiling? He's a friend and wants to see the smile put back in your life...

If you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf, please let me know!!!

Don't grow weary...

Hebrews 12:1-3..."Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us , and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (3) For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."

I believe this passage can be a refuge for a weary, worn-out Christian who is at their wit's end...We can be comforted by knowing there are others around us who are withstanding the same temptations and trials we face daily. Christian love also means to have compassion one for another...a part of that is reaching out and being there to help. If we've been there, that is a part of our testimony to share.

We also need to get away from the sins that are our personal weaknesses...whatever it may be, get as far from as possible. I have learned that to be recovered from our sins, we must avoid the opportunity to fall back into them.

Looking to Jesus gives us hope in the "down-and-out" times we struggle through. So many times, we are looking at others who aren't struggling when we throw our greatest pity parties...but if our eyes are focused on the cross, our troubles will pale in comparison. Consider what He went through for you!!! And it was because of you and me that He suffered and died on the cross...so a little strife here below starts to lose its sting a bit doesn't it?

Realize you're not in this alone...others face trials...we all have sins we struggle with...avoid them...keep your eyes on Jesus...and you will avoid weariness of mind and body!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer I can word on your behalf today...

Renew your strength...

One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 40:31. This evening, I would like to lead up to it starting with verse 29..."He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. (30) Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: (31) But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

This is a passage of great comfort to me. When down and out, burdened, burned out, or just plain lacking spiritually, I know that God will give me strength in time of need.

Many of you have used an energy drink when you need an extra "boost". The problem is that after the initial boost, you end up feeling worse than before you had it. I know from experience...

The strength the Lord provides doesn't wear off and won't leave you wanting for something more. God provides strength for the faint, the youth, young men, and you where you need it.

If you are struggling in your life, simply lift a prayer and ask God for His help. He is there waiting...all you have to do is humble yourself and ask...and "wait upon the Lord"...