Taking a Real RestSample

Reflection

"If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28, CEV)

The Bible repeatedly tells us not to worry, to ‘be anxious for nothing’ (Philippians 4:6), to cast ‘[our] cares upon him (I Peter 5:7). We are reminded that if he can dress lilies beautifully and provide homes for sparrows, he will most certainly look after us, his precious children made in his image (Matthew 6).

But, still, we hold on to our burdens, our worries, and our problems. Jesus knows that we are tired from carrying them. He calls us to drop them and give them to him. We are, or at least I am, not so good at care-casting, especially the big ones, like the ones about the kids, the marriage, or the mortgage. I might hand them over in prayer, but I think I sneak back and pick them up again.

What worries are you still holding on to?

Perhaps spend some time naming your worries to God and giving them to him. If you are like me, you will be doing it more than once!

Prayer

Father, help me give you my worries, even the ones I think should keep just in case you don’t understand how important they are. Help me to trust that you know exactly what is best for me and to trust that your plans for me are so much better than mine.