Sunday morning I usually linger under the warm blanket because it's the only day I don't have to rush to get dressed for work or church. This particular Sunday I decided to go out side of my room for my devotional time. As I sat on the sofa, thoughts that had nothing to do with devotional began racing through my mind. I became overwhelmed in my search for answers to challenges that seemed to consume me, and I began to drown in my own cistern of despair, broken hearted and self-pity. Many times in our Christian walk Satan succeeds in taking our focus away from Jesus, depriving us of sweet communion we can have with our loving heavenly Father.
As I opened the devotional book, the page happened to open to the reading for April 10. I was about to turn to the current date when my eyes caught the heading, "For Women Who've Fallen and Can't Get Up." The text read, "You will be secure, because there is hope" (Job 11:18 NIV). I had been wrestling with the issues that had disturbed me for several days. How heavily the burdens weighed on me! As I read the devotional thought it seemed just for me. It spoke of feeling heavy laden and how a talk with God about my big and little concerns could make a difference. Those words were a source of encouragement.
I meditated for a few moments, then turned back to the current day's reading. Again Jesus spoke to my heart: "Before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." God was saying that He knew what I was going through and that He was there to strengthen me. As I was about to close the book, my eyes glanced across the page. Almost staring at me were the words: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matt.11:28,29,NIV). What a blessing to have a friend and burden bearer such as Jesus, who loves and cares about me! I am grateful to God for the precious words He sent to cheer me up when I was in the valley of despair.
Today, if you are walking through the arid deserts of your life, don't give up; take courage, look up, and go forward confidently in the knowledge of God's supreme and abundant love. He is always there, waiting to carry your burdens if you will let Him.
Have a nice day and God bless...
