The Upper Room Devotion for Tuesday, August 22, 2023, was written by Kate Rietema of Michigan.
Scripture
25 At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:25-30 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
I glanced at my five-year-old daughter just as she touched the tip of a hot glue gun. She silently yanked her finger back, hid her hand in her lap, and bent forward in pain. I exclaimed, "Piper! Are you okay?" I pulled her hand from her lap and saw a large blister on her fingertip.
Piper is indipendent, tough, and always trying to keep up with her three older sisters. As I ran cold water over her finger, I recalled many other instances when Piper hid her hurts from me; when her skin got pinched in a heavy metal clip, when she took a nasty fall off her bike, when she was being teased at school. It pains my heart to watch Piper hurt alone. I want her to come to me and tell me how she is and help carry her pain.
Reading Matthew 11:28, I think Jesus feels the same way about us. So why am I reluctant to bring my hurts and burdens to him? Jesus loves us and wants us to tell him our hurts, even though he already sees and knows them. When we come to Jesus, pouring out our weary hearts, he gives us rest.
Pastor Anthony's Thoughts
Friends,
What do you do when you are weary, frustrated by people and their behavior, or burdened by sorrow? Christ invites us to bring our weariness, frustrations, and sorrows to him, that he might offer us renewal, restoration, revelation, and rest. I invite you to reread Matthew 11:25-30 and ask yourself: What am I hiding that I should be giving to Christ to heal?
Author's Prayer
Loving Lord, help us to bring our hurts and heartaches to you. We thank you for the rest you offer. Amen.