Do you ever burdened and alone? In the early part of this year, my family plans to place my mother in memory care, and the tragic thing is she doesn’t even know it. I’m grieving and feeling out of control. My anguished thoughts throughout the day feel as if they’ll consume me, and at night, I lay restless, tossing in bed how I need a friend.
There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24b (NIV)
I am blessed to have a few close friends, one of whom dates back to high school. For the last two weeks, my friend’s caring words have comforted my deep sadness. She has listened to me cry and vent, enabling me to take this load off my shoulders. She validated my pain when I felt weighed down.
For we do not have a high priest
who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses.
Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)
Jesus is our friend closer than a brother. He’s here and always available. And He understands our struggles. He co-suffers with our brokenness in life’s hardships. The challenge is to talk to Him like an old friend I can unload on, knowing there is no judgment.
Surely, he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows.
~Isaiah 53:4a (NIV)
This truth calls for me to lay down my struggles and trust Jesus to pick them up and carry them as if they were His own. I can visualize Jesus holding my mom in His gentle, safe arms.
What burden can you lay down to the Lord?
Prayer: Father, You sit on Your throne strong and mighty. Your presence, your glory, and your peace surround me. Thank you for Your goodness. Jesus, the burden is too heavy for me. I lay down to You. I cannot carry, but You can. Spirit, sustain my spirit with Yourself indwelling in me. Amen.
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