READ
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34)
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:1-4)
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. (Psalm 55:22)
DEVOTIONAL
Between the global pandemic, societal and political unrest, and economic instability—it’s no wonder anxieties are running high. How do we manage the feelings of anxiety when triggers keep popping up?
Jesus knew we would grow weary and carry heavy burdens, which is why He invited us to come to Him and find rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28-30). He offers His easy yoke and light burden. A yoke is a heavy wooden piece placed between a pair of animals such as oxen. The yoke enables the animals to pull loads in carts, and keeps them together as they plow the fields for a new season of crop planting. The stronger ox leads the weaker ox toward the completion of their task. When we feel the heavy load of anxiety weighing us down, we need to remember to come to Jesus and let Him do the heavy lifting.
If you’re anxious today, cast your cares upon Him. Be honest with God about the things that bring you stress. Hold your hands open in a posture of surrender, letting go of the heavy burden. With your hands still open, invite the light and easy burden Jesus offers.
DECLARATION
I will not worry about today or tomorrow, because I live by faith and not by sight. The Lord promises to be with me, and He gives me peace. He cares for me and will give me everything I need for today. And each day, I will bring all my concerns to Him in prayer.
PRAYER
Jesus, I hold my hands open and surrender my heavy load to you. Please take the heaviness, the anxiety, and the stress. I invite your light and easy burden to take its place. I want to walk with you, relying on your great strength. I receive your grace over my life and circumstances today. Amen.