O Bearer of Burdens, troubles without number surround me on all sides and my sins have overtaken me. I cannot see a way forward. My heart is heavily laden and I struggle with many things. Where can I go to find a measure of relief from the stress that drags me down? I am desperate … yet, I cannot find words to cry out for help. My guilt and my neglect have clouded my vision and sapped away my strength. My enemies have encamped around me, fear taunts me all the day long and I am frantic to find a way out. A sinful world has filled the road ahead with fog. My sins and errors have enabled confusion and desperation to overtake me. I feel alone and unworthy of any kindness or help. I wonder … is it even worth the effort that is required to deal with all the things I am facing? My motivation has abandoned me and all I want to do is hide … yet I know that my problems will only follow me.
In my times of greatest need, You are an ever present help. Your Word reminds me of the fact that You listen to the pleadings of hearts that are sorrowful for sins and possess a humble spirit that is willing to be obedient. As I respond, the clouds of doubt begin to clear and I, once again, can experience the reality that You do hear my cries for help. The desire of my heart is to be lifted out of the slimy pit into which I have fallen and be set upon a firm foundation upon which I am able to stand. As I reflect on Your commands and promises which have been written upon my heart, I begin to sense a desire to submit more fully to You and conform my life to Your ways. I am beginning to better understand that, even when I am surrounded by trouble, I will not have to succumb to it because the truth is that Your presence and promises have built a hedge of protection around me.
Blessed are Your children who trust in You … who do not see men as their source … or turn their back on Your help. My focus must remain on the many wonders You have done and the plans that You have for me. Sacrifices and offerings You do not desire … instead, it is a contrite heart that is willing to submit. I no longer want to hide from You nor do I want You to withhold Your mercy from me. I admit my blindness and my desire to be guided out of darkness into Your marvelous light. I continue to be bombarded daily with relentless appeals to go in various directions. These only make my situation more complicated because they require that I make decisions for which I am ill prepared. For too long I have forsaken Your Word and the wisdom it contains. I no longer want to demand answers but, instead, seek them out in Your Word where I will find peace and rest. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Mark 6:31 … He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”