This has been a physically difficult week for my husband and I.  We are trying to downsize 22 years of living in the same house so that when the time comes our children don’t have the burden of doing it.  To say the least, we are both exhausted. 

Have you ever had days when you feel you just can’t carry another load?  Do you feel overwhelmed by the burdens you’ve laid upon yourself?  When Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest, He isn’t just talking about our aching muscles or aging joints.  He’s inviting us to lay every load on Him – not only our physical needs. but our emotional and spiritual concerns. 

We try to muddle through our lives, thinking we can handle everything – thinking that we have it all under own control – and then the bottom falls out and we realize we aren’t in charge at all.  It’s difficult for us to let go and let God take the reins.  Human nature tells us we should be able to handle things.  We are fed on ideas that tell us we create our own destiny.  God has given us a brain to help us figure things out, but ultimately He is the one who has our future in His hands.

Dear, Lord, you have given me a special invitation – to come to you for the peace I need in every area of my life.  It’s hard for me to let you do it all.  I feel I should be involved in some way.  Help me to realize that life is going to be full of trials, struggles, tough choices and fears.  Encourage me through these times and keep me strong both physically and spiritually.  When the baggage becomes unbearable, take away the weight and hold me tight.  I need your unfailing love and strength.  I rest in the security of your unwavering arms.