What burdens in life are weighing you down right now? I bet that when I ask that question, at least one burden comes to mind—if not several. Perhaps it is something that occupies your thoughts every day. Is it a family situation? Financial concerns? Loneliness? A medical issue? Is it the state of our government, our country, or even the world that has you feeling weighed down?
No matter what it is, there is always something that can drag us down if we let it.
This Sunday, in the Gospel of Matthew, we are reminded that God has got this. God knows our pain, our worries, our loneliness, and whatever else we may be experiencing or carrying in our hearts. He invites us to come to Him, to lay our burdens upon Him, and He will give us rest. God loves you and wants you to know that you are cared for.
Life can be difficult, and we all face challenges. Yet those trials can also become opportunities to rely more deeply on God's grace, which leads us to true peace and happiness. Do you want that peace and happiness? Then give your burdens to God and let them go, trusting that He is in control.
Jesus also tells us that He is “meek and humble of heart.” Why does He say that? Because He wants us to know that He will embrace us with love and tenderness. When we have hearts that are meek and humble, we are better able to see God for who He truly is and become more receptive to the grace He desires to pour into our lives. If we are filled with pride and self-reliance, we tend to depend only on ourselves and become less open to the love, peace, and tenderness that God wants us to experience each day.
Psalm 145 helps guide us in this journey. We are called to praise God and to remember that He is the King of our lives. We are reminded that He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in kindness. Through praise and thanksgiving, our hearts are lifted from despair and our burdens become lighter.
Do you want that? If you do, then strive to live with an attitude of gratitude. As you place your trust in God and give Him thanks, He will bless you with His love, peace, joy, and strength.
