The Junk Drawer: Bloodstained Pews - Friday
Matthew 11:28-30
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (NLT)
There’s this old song I love that we used to sing in church, and the lyrics go like this:
Just as I am without one plea
But that thy blood was shed for me
And that thou biddest me come to Thee
O, Lamb of God I come, I come
This song was written in the early 1800s by a woman named Charlotte Elliott. Charlotte grew up in a Christian home but encountered some struggles in her life, one of which left her disabled which led to bouts of depression and isolation. Her story is well recorded, and the message of this hymn is so profound to read knowing that she struggled so desperately during her life yet knew that Jesus only asked her to come to Him as she was.
Like our verse says today, no matter how tired, worn out, or hurt we are, we can always come to Jesus and give Him our struggles. In Him, our burdens are lighter because we don’t carry them alone. We will still struggle. We will still fall short. But God is bigger. He knows our struggles and He wants to help us overcome them. He knows our trials and He wants to walk with us in the valleys. He knows we could never be worthy of His love or His grace, but He offers it anyway.
I don’t know what you’re struggling with today, or this week, or this month, or this year, but whatever it is, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.”
Friday’s Reflection
Jesus loves you. He died for you. He wants you to know how deeply He cares for you. You matter to Him. Take a moment today and just talk to Him. Let Him know where you’re at. Be honest. There’s nothing He can’t handle. Then rest in the knowledge that He loves you deeply.