Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
April13, 2023
Matthew 11:28-30
28 “Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. 29 Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves. 30 My yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light.”
Good Morning; This is a great day to praise God!
Each day is a new day full of opportunities. When I think back on my life, I remember many things. I remember being given the assignment in sixth grade to write my autobiography. Now this was an activity to learn how to write an autobiography, but wouldn’t it be fun to read what I considered so necessary to include when I was eleven years old?
If I were writing my autobiography today, would any of my essential events from that paper be included? As I sit here and think, I struggle to remember specifics that I might have included besides my basic birthdate and birthplace. I’m sure I included where I had lived in my short lifetime, and I remember a wedding trip in 4th grade that would have indeed made the list, but what else?
When I consider that task now, I think of the good and bad times. Would I include my challenges in my life story? Honestly, many of my greatest moments have been revealed among the ashes of my problems and despair. As a young family, we experienced the ups and downs that come from typical life challenges. I remember that we had struggles, but the details seemed to have faded with time. The good times are as clear in my mind as the day they occurred. When I consider the hectic pace of those days, I know I must have been tired, but I don’t remember that, just the joy of being together.
God doesn’t promise us a life without challenges but promises to be with us always. Jesus calls us to come to Him with all our baggage and troubles. He invites us to leave our worries and heavy loads with Him, and He will allow us to rest. Sometimes, we feel obligated to take on the world's troubles as if we aren’t real people if we aren’t carrying the load of hardship and despair.
Jesus calls to us: “Give me your burdens, and I will show you a new way. My way is filled with grace, mercy, love, peace, and joy. Come to me! Letting go of the bad stuff and focusing on the good is okay. I love you and want to guide you! Come to Me, my children!”
Blessed God, We thank you for Your blessings. In the midst of our challenges, you are there, calling us by name. Help us listen and follow Your call. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: I don’t know my future, but I know God is with me.
Lay your burdens down! Pastor Liz
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