“Jesus said to the crowds: ‘Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest’”
– Matthew 11:28
I learned a long time ago that there is a difference between giving up and giving over. I have too much pride to give up – too many people would be disappointed in me if I did; probably myself most of all. I was raised with the rule that you take a deep breath and put one foot in front of the other, and don’t ever let them see you sweat. I also have too much faith to give up. I know that while God did not promise that I would never struggle or feel pain, He did promise that I would never be alone in struggles or pain. He is with me in the faces of those who love me, in the presence of those who share my life, in the arms of those who hold me, in the prayers of those who comfort me.
I find myself resting and restful in the certain knowledge that I can deal with whatever life sends my way because I never carry my burdens alone. God always answers my prayers – with the love that listens to what I think I want and responds with what will help me. I give over to God not because I will get what I want but because I know that He will help me find what I need. Sometimes I find what I need in the silence of His loving presence and sometimes it is in the words and deeds of other people. But He never fails me if I never fail to seek my rest in Him and remember that I am exactly where He wants me to be.
Dear Lord, may I always respond to Your invitation to come into Your presence for rest from my labors and burdens.
Amen.
Peg Weidner
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