Another Day's Struggle

Matthew 11: 28-30 "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." (The Message)

OK Lord, it’s time for a talk. It’s five in the morning and my night’s sleep is gone. I’ve been here before and just know that whatever caused this action before was taken away by You.

There is nothing I can tell You this morning that You don’t already know. Here it is another year end and I feel like I missed the excitement of celebrating Your birth. It was another Christmas season that I didn’t experience the joy of my children or grandchildren on Christmas morning.  No video and no phone call.

In my mental struggles this morning, I recall a few years ago a young man who has lent a hand in the cabin construction in Tennessee was riding his motorcycle when a dump truck pulled out of a side road, hit him and killed him. My mind kept wondering if I had been any influence on him because I never really talked to him about his relationship to You.   I’ve felt guilty on more than one occasion that this man had no hope because of me.

This week a man who was prominent in our community died from a sudden heart attack and I felt somewhat numb to think of anything but, “I’m sorry”.

I know, Lord, that we have periods in our lives when things happen that make us wonder and doubt, and this is one of those moments for me. I just feel tired.  Harkey was a strong man who has done a lot in his life but again I just feel numb.

Throughout my life, Your words found in Matthew have pulled me through and renewed my relationship with You. It seems that when I take my eyes off You, I become discouraged as I focus on my failures. When I look at verse 29, I realize that I need to get back into the rhythm of Your grace.

Lord as we talk this morning; please give me a fresh outlook on today. Help me to depend on You for my joy and faith, so I come to You during the rested times and not just when I am tired.