Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your circumstances, when nothing you do seems to be enough? I’ve been there more times than I would like to admit.
Maybe you’re facing a crisis situation at your job, financial loss, worry about the future, mourning the loss of loved ones, a prodigal child, or an unfavorable medical diagnosis. Maybe people and commitments are tugging at you from all sides and you don’t know how to avoid letting people down.
Where do you turn when no answer is apparent?
The unforced rhythms of grace
Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG) echoed in my head, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Verse 30 from the NIV says, “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
I had been wrestling with these verses over recent months.
How could His yoke be easy and His burden light? Nothing about my circumstances felt easy or light, but rather heavy and overwhelming, yet I wanted that. I wanted to live freely and lightly. I wanted to learn from Him.
God promises to be our refuge
Hebrews 6:18-19 reminds us, “So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.”
We don’t have to have all the answers to learn the unforced rhythms of grace.
As we run to Him for help, for refuge, we can be confident in the hope from the promise of His word. This hope is an anchor for our souls. Our God is unchangeable. If He says it, we can believe it. If He promised, it will come to pass.
When we are overwhelmed by the trials in this world, we can take refuge in Him. As we keep company with Him, He promises we will learn to live freely and lightly.
What are you struggling with today? Are you willing to take refuge in Him and learn the unforced rhythms of grace?
Every day can be a good day when you trust the promises of God.
Today is Going to be a Good Day
Now Available!
My newest book, Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right is now available!
This uplifting devotional helps you make each day a good day no matter what is going on in your life.
When life conspires to drag us down with all of its troubles, it can be hard to keep our spirits up. In times of severe illness and depression, I learned that when I stand on God’s promises, despite my circumstances, every day can be a good day.
Each reading includes Scripture, reflection, prayer, and a recommended playlist song designed to help you live out Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”
For more information on the book visit: Today is Going to be a Good Day Book
Take refuge! Those words bring a peace to my soul knowing that I can hide under the shadow of God’s heart, His comfort, His love and His peace. I have done that many times and I so appreciate this reminder. Some days I feel the stress of life in my older years and in caring for my hubby. He does for himself well but does need me around all the time or likes me around all the time. We have been married 54 years and spend very little time apart. When the trials come, and they do, we have each other but even more importantly, we have the Lord and all that you have mentioned. Thank you, Michelle, for your transparency, being real and hopeful always, and sharing God’s Word and truth with us. You are loved and appreciated.
Nothing ill-fitting, love that, tailor-made for me!