Today I’d like to introduce a new weekly feature for Cross My Heart Ministry: Sunday Soaking.
Although new for subscribers of this blog, Sunday Soaking has been a long-standing weekly series at A Reason for Homeschool. While I’ve been blessed to build relationships with many readers of that blog over the past several years, I am thrilled that the weekly series is now transitioning to Cross My Heart. For those who are visiting us from A Reason For Homeschool, I thank you for faithfully reading Sunday Soaking. The purpose of Cross My Heart is to honor God’s call on my life: biblical ministry to women. Welcome!
My practice has been to use each week’s Sunday Soaking to explore one verse from the monthly Write the Word series (also published by ARFH). Continuing in that vein, during the month of June, the weekly devotional will be prompted by verses from Write The Word: Praying for Our Prodigals. The free, printable daily verse list and S.O.A.P. study pages can be accessed here.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
Jesus beckons, “Come to me…” As our Creator, He knows how we are wired. He knows our thoughts, our fears, our desires, and hopes. He knows what we need.
We need Him, of course, every day — but we especially need Him during times of anxiety, uncertainty, and trouble. Whether we are listening to our governor’s daily update, looking at our 401(k), or mourning the cancellation of yet another life event, “anxiety, uncertainty and trouble” is most likely an apt description of life for most of us during these strange times.
Where do we run when worry comes knocking?
When panic rises up, we long for peace. Our desire for rest and release may find us picking up the remote or opening the refrigerator to ease the pain (or at least temporarily distract us from it).
Where do you go — or what do you reach for — when weary and burdened?
Some of us try to eat, shop, or entertain ourselves to drive away the worry. Others will exercise, clean, or take a vacation. In extreme cases, we may look for a new car, a new job, or a new house. Sadly, some resort to the destructive false comfort of drugs or alcohol.
We crave something, and we try to satisfy that craving. But what we really need is not a what at all – it’s who.
It is Him.
Jesus.
Nothing and no one else will bring lasting satisfaction. Only Jesus knows us completely and loves us unconditionally. Only Jesus can ease our burdens and provide rest for our souls.
He says, “Come.”
Are you read to hear Him? Are you ready to trust Him? Are you ready to receive the peace and rest only He can provide?
Whether or not your circumstances change, you will be changed. A woman who walks in peace when panic is all around is a woman who is living proof that God is real — that He is great and He is good.
O Lord, today I come to You!
Forgive me for looking around when I should be looking up.
I am weary and burdened, but in You, I find rest and peace.
Help me, Jesus.
Editor’s Note: If you enjoy Laura’s devotional writing on the website,
check out her video teaching here. Subscribing is free and will bless this ministry.
