We’ve all had those days, weeks, months, maybe even years, when life feels like too much to bear. Some days I feel like I’m there, some days I know I’m there. But I never have to worry that life’s burdens will be too much for me because I’m not on this journey alone. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
I won’t make light of the weights some of us bear. I’m currently walking the Alzheimer’s road with my dear husband. I hate this disease. A couple years ago I felt young. I feel like I have aged 10 years in the past two as I have watched him lose a little more each day, sometimes physically, sometimes cognitively, sometimes just our life together.
I don’t know if I can recover what I have lost, but I know I need rest. I’m so glad that Jesus tells me, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).
But rest and strength and courage don’t just magically plant themselves upon me. It requires I do something. The next verse in Matthew says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Joshua 1:8 instructs me, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
Psalm 119:105, 107, 114 “Your word is a lamp to my feel and a light to my path.” “I am severely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to your word!” ” You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.” God provides me just enough light to see the step I need to take this moment. He knows my affliction and He gives me life from His Word! And as I bury myself in His Word, He hides me and shields me, and gives me hope.
I cannot imagine trying to walk through life, on good days, without Jesus, who is the Word. How much more on difficult days. Many people ask me how I can have joy through the hard times. It is when my heart and mind are saturated with His Word, then my joy is found in Him and is not dependent upon life circumstances.
If you don’t know Jesus, I would love to introduce you. Please reach out to me!