I remember my affliction and my wandering,
Lamentations 3:19-24, NIV
the bitterness and the gall.
I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness
I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.’
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28, NIV
Rachel writes:
This week has been full of waiting, tension, and uncertainty. From waiting for Boris Johnson to announce the new lockdown last Saturday, to watching from afar as the US votes in an election that feels significant for the whole world, and making hasty preparations for at least a month of winter lockdown, it’s been tough! I, having joined the ranks of unemployed young professionals over the course of the last six months, am also waiting on the results of job applications, hoping this time for a favourable outcome. And I’m saying goodbye (again) to loved ones, wondering when I’ll be able to meet up with them in person, and what the world will look like then.
It’s fair to say it’s a very odd time! I don’t know how you are doing with it all. If, like me, you are feeling a little weary and worn out, the verses above might be helpful. They have been a much-needed reminder to me in past difficulties, and I’m trying my best to call them to mind each time I’m tempted to fret in the present challenges. The Lord loves us. His compassions never fail; they are new every morning. His faithfulness is great, and has lasted throughout the generations – He is for us now, in this, too. And Jesus calls us to come to him, weary and burdened as we are, and find rest – whatever that looks like.
What helps you to rest with Jesus? Can you come to him with the things on your mind this week? Where do you need him (or those around you) to step in and bring encouragement? (Is there anything we can do to support you at the moment?)
With prayers for your safety, your encouragement, and the knowledge that He is for you, today and forever.
Photo credit: Engin Aykurt, unsplash.com/photos/44D6S-5jDJQ