Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
What is important about what Jesus said is what He didn’t say.
He did not say… …Come unto me all who are weary and carry heavy burdens, unless your burdens are the result of something you did. …Unless you caused your burdens. …Unless your burdens are the result of your own bad choices. …Unless your burdens are from disobedience to God’s Word. …Unless you came to Me once before with your burdens; and you want a second chance.
O dear God… …On this day …At this hour …At this place
May I simply take You at your Word and trust your promise.
I am weary O God from carrying around the burdens from my own bad choices And You know, my burdens are not pretty O God Though You have said my prayers are a sweet smelling incense I know my burdens are a stench of rubbish that “stinks to high Heaven”
But I will trust And like I’ve done a thousand times before, I’ll do it again And I will leave my burdens at your feet
O dear God… …On this day …At this hour …At this place
And I will vow again to take Your yoke And when people see me and talk to me today May they not see the person of myself But may they see a reflection of You Because I have treated them with kindness, as you did And I have spoken to them with compassion, as you did And in spite of being wronged, may I stand with integrity, as you did Not with pride, but with humility, as you did And might my presence be a blessing, as you were
And at the end of the day, may I look back on this day And be thankful to a great and loving God And rest my head on my pillow And be at peace
George Thomas Caldbeck penned these words:
Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin? The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.
Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed? To do the will of Jesus, this is rest.
Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round? On Jesus’ bosom nought but calm is found.
Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away? In Jesus’ keeping we are safe and they.
Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown? Jesus we know, and he is on the throne.
Peace, perfect peace, death shadowing us and ours? Jesus has vanquished death and all its powers.
It is enough: earth’s struggles soon shall cease, and Jesus call to heaven’s perfect peace.
Wrestles nights. I can’t sleep. It just seems like the burdens are building. And growing before my very eyes. Like mountains in front of me. And then…the avalanche happens.
And I can’t move…in any direction. Freezing my steps…in my tracks. I can’t move. And I give up. I give in. I’m done. Oh, I’m so done.
But then… I Prayed.
Oh Lord, let not Satan take my life in this way. You said, “Trust me.” You said, “Let me take the burden.” But it seems, to me, the burden is me. It seems, to me, the burden is my cage. And everywhere I go…there I am. In my cage. Please, unlock the door. Release the bondage of my chains. Please, oh please, move the mountain. With the swipe of your hand.
Today, it’s a fresh start. You’ve released me. But I look around. And all I see is pain and suffering in this world. That doesn’t give me much hope. It makes me sad. In fact, it makes me wonder, What kind of God you are? Because there are so many that will suffer in pain. Calling out to you, many will die in pain. On this day, today, many will die, crying out to you. If you don’t care for them, how can you care for me? I wring my hands in grief. I wring my hands for the loss of those near me. And deep in my soul, I have doubts. I wonder. Why don’t you care?
But then… I Prayed.
Please place your hand on my loved ones and bring your healing Please release them from this temporary pain, and make it go away If it be your will, breath new life into their lungs And spare them this time from the grave
I fail, constantly, it seems. There’s no other way to explain it. I can’t excuse it. I can’t change it. I’m a mess. I will fix it. I will rely on my own two hands. To maneuver my way; dodging; escaping the situation.
But then… I Prayed.
Oh God, let not my will, but your will be done. I’ll get out of your way; and simply bow to my knees I’ll ask, and seek and knock…and let you do the rest as you will. And regardless of the outcome; I’ll remain faithful to you.
We are made for community…and not to stand alone. And the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, And he prayed fervently that it might not rain, And for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.
May our prayers be as faithful as Elijah. Who was diligent; unswerving; and enduring in his prayer That over the long haul, we may receive the blessing as he did.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Devotional: Breaking the Chains of Time
We often hear the phrase “time heals all wounds,” promising that with enough time, pain will fade. However, as we reflect on the writing below, the reality of heartache is much more complex. Time alone can feel endless and lonely, amplifying the echoes of our struggles rather than soothing them.
Psalm 34:18 reminds us of a deeper truth: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” This scripture acknowledges that while time may play a role in healing, it is the presence of God that truly mends our deepest wounds. The reality is that oftentimes, the very pain we are experiencing can feel like a heavy burden, trapping us in cycles of grief and despair, leaving us to wonder if we can ever break free.
In the vivid imagery of echoes in a great canyon, we see how the pain we carry can resound in our minds, relentless and overpowering. But we are not meant to suffer in the echoes in our minds. God doesn’t simply ask us to endure; He invites us to bring our heartaches to Him. The cries we share in prayer are heard, and each tear is recognized. We learn that healing through God’s grace is not merely about waiting for time to pass but about actively engaging with Him, surrendering our battles, and allowing His love to embrace us.
When the darkness of night surrounds us and those haunting memories emerge, it’s then that we can lean into God’s promises. He is our refuge in times of trouble, and His strength can transform our suffering into testimonies of hope. In our darkest moments, when it feels as if we’re shouting into a void, we can trust that God’s silence is not absence but an invitation to draw near, to encounter His love in fresh and profound ways.
So, what do we do “in the meantime”? We turn towards God, whose light can pierce through the darkness. We lay our burdens down, we seek support in our community, and we remind ourselves that healing is not linear or simply time-based; it is unique to each of us. Every emotion we experience is valid, and God meets us in every moment, both joyful and painful.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come before You with my wounds laid bare, seeking Your healing touch in the depths of my anguish. Help me to remember that I am never alone in my pain and that You are close to the brokenhearted. Grant me the courage to bring my struggles to You, for only in Your love can true healing occur. Strengthen me to navigate this journey, trusting in Your grace and presence every step of the way.
Closing Thought
As you move through today, remember that God invites you into a relationship of healing—one that transcends the limitations of time. Lean on Him, and let His love provide the solace your heart seeks. Remember, it’s not just about giving it time; it’s about entrusting yourself to the One who holds eternity in His hands.
A Writing
They say that time Is all it takes
Time will heal …Every mistake …Every loss …Every wound …Every wrong-doing …Every abuse …Every tragedy …Every pain
Time heals all That’s what they say
Just give it more time Eventually I’ll be fine I’ll see, just trust The pain will go away It won’t hurt so much tomorrow Eventually I’ll forget I won’t feel so bad Just give it time Just give it Just More time Time
Echoing in my brain The words are bouncing Off the walls Off the walls of an echo chamber The echo chamber between my ears Time Time Time TIME TIME TIME
And finally I scream I don’t want to hear it any more Falling to my knees Wrapped up like a ball of string Wrapping my arms tightly Tightly around my stomach My head between my knees And I cry deeply I bawl out in anguish Until silently I cry So much I cry Until the tears Until the tears are dry In anguish I cry Alone I cry All alone I cry And wonder why I wonder why Why this works for everyone else But not for me Why not for me?
“What’s wrong with me?” “Oh God, what’s wrong with me?” “Why am I the only one?” “Why doesn’t Time heal me?”
I dare not tell anyone I can’t talk to anyone They would think I am crazy Crazy in the head I’m broken I can’t be fixed I deserve what I get
And so…at night I weep In my pillow I weep
Night After Night After Night The cycle repeats itself endlessly
And one day One day I read a book And I decide Sure I can beat this thing
All I have to do is one simple thing Just follow one simple rule It’s simple I just have to follow one simple rule I just have to fake it That’s it I just have to fake it Fake it until I make it Fake it until I Fake it until Fake it Until I Make It
I just have to give it more time And…Everything…Will…Be…Ok
But until then What do I do? Until then…what? What do I do…in the mean…time?
In the night In the middle of the night In the night the voices call They call out my name Bringing me back Back again Back to the nightmare To the nightmare of my pain To when it happened To the place it happened To hear the sounds To smell the stench To see the tragedy To the place where it all began I try to silence them Silence them any way I can But I can’t dodge the truth Because truth won’t run The truth won’t run, like I do Truth stands steady Like the immovable object Truth won’t budge
And in the morning I tell myself it’ll be okay And that I’m gonna get better on another day
Finally Finally it’s morning I slam the alarm I cover my head Beating my pillow I wish I were dead
And then I awake I finally awake I wake to realize Nothing has changed Nothing Not a thing No it’s all the same I’m living another groundhog day
And all of this All of this journey Is the endless cycle So craftily spun So craftily spun by the Evil One To keep me from God’s Love and Grace To keep me from seeing His Holy Face To keep me locked in my own prison cell To keep me from drinking water from the well From the well of Everlasting refreshment From the well of Everlasting healing
Down deep I know it’s a lie Because I know If time were the only thing Then I’d be getting better With the passing of every day
But here’s the honest to God truth Yes, it will take time But I already knew that I already knew it would take time But time isn’t all it takes There’s one more thing I don’t want to do And I know that too Because it’s going to be hard I know that too It’s going to be hard
I must dig I must dig a little deeper I must dig into the scars I must dig a little deeper To cut through the scar tissue To cut through the scar tissue that has me fooled To cut through the scar to get to the original pain To open up that wound To open the wound I don’t want to open I gotta dig deeper I gotta dig a little deeper To open the wound So it can drain So it can drain the toxins that are keeping me down So it can drain the toxins and heal again
Yes, it’s scary It’s downright frightening if I think I’m all alone If I think I have no one there to help me Yes, it’s scary as hell But it doesn’t have to be
But it’s necessary to dig a little deeper And it’s going to hurt like hell
And for this to work I can’t numb this pain I can’t tip the bottle dry I can’t swallow that pill I can’t inhale that drag And I can’t snort that line
No no… It’s going to hurt like hell But that’s what it takes So I can feel again So I can laugh again So I can cry real tears again So I can feel real pain again So I can experience real joy again So I can live again So I can love again
And so that I can be loved by those around me
But here’s the thing… I don’t have to do this alone… If all I will do is tell someone
VVerse 1 They say that time can heal what’s broke, But it just whispers empty hope. I’ve waited long, I’ve played the game, But every day still feels the same.
The echoes say, “Just give it time,” But time’s been cruel to heart and mind. If healing comes with every day, Why do I still feel this way?
Pre-Chorus I tried to fake it ’til I made it, But I can’t outrun what’s breaking me.
Chorus So I’m gonna dig a little deeper, Down where the hurting hides. Open the scar so grace can reach, The pain that’s buried deep inside. It’s gonna hurt, I know it will, And healing starts when I finally feel. I’m gonna dig, dig a little deeper, ’Til I find my soul.
Verse 2 The night comes calling like before, I see those shadows on my door. Every memory wakes again, I feel the weight I can’t defend.
Truth won’t run, it stands its ground, And mercy whispers through the sound: “You’re not alone, I’m still right here, Even in your tears.”
Pre-Chorus I’ve tried to numb it, tried to drown it, But grace keeps reaching down for me.
Chorus So I’m gonna dig a little deeper, Down where the hurting hides. Open the scar so grace can reach, The pain that’s buried deep inside. It’s gonna hurt, I know it will, And healing starts when I finally feel. I’m gonna dig, dig a little deeper, ’Til I find my soul.
Verse 3 (The Turning Point) Morning breaks, the light comes in, A softer voice beneath my skin. The chains I wore begin to slide, As mercy breathes me back to life.
I feel Your love in every breath, A quiet peace where fear once slept. I’m not the same, I’m waking new, The pain is real — but so are You.
Bridge I can’t do this on my own, But I was never meant to be alone. You reach into the mess I’ve made, And call my broken heart by name. You say, “Come and drink from the well that won’t run dry.” And for the first time, I believe — I’m alive.
Final Chorus So I dig a little deeper, You meet me in the pain. You wash my wounds with holy light, And I am whole again. It hurts, but I can feel again, I can laugh, I can cry again. ’Cause I dug, I dug a little deeper, And I found You there within.
Outro Time can’t heal what only Love can mend, But Your grace is faithful to the end. So I’ll dig, dig a little deeper, Until I find You there.
“In my distress, I called to the Lord, and He answered me. From the depths of the grave, I called for help, and You listened to my cry.”
Devotional: Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
Through the book of Jonah, his story resonates with anyone who has ever found themselves in a place of rebellion against God. It begins with Jonah receiving a clear call from God: to go to Nineveh and call its people to repentance. Yet, Jonah’s response is to flee in the opposite direction. He embarks on a journey to Tarshish, seeking a path of his own making, a path devoid of God’s purpose.
This is often our human condition—we hear the call of God, but our hearts are either afraid, prideful, or stubborn. We think we know better, convinced that our version of freedom will bring us fulfillment. The hymn “Amazing Grace” echoes profoundly here, reminding us of the incredible gift we have been given through Christ’s sacrifice. Yet, we sometimes trample on that gift, trading it in for a false sense of autonomy.
When we seek to rule our own lives from our self-made thrones, we undermine the true freedom that God wants for us. We create illusions of control; we convince ourselves that we can define our destinies. Just like Jonah, we often fail to recognize that choosing our way leads us away from the very thing we long for—peace, purpose, and fulfillment.
The truth is that freedom does not come through self-rule; rather, true freedom lies in surrendering to God. When we attempt to navigate life without Him, we may think we are escaping the constraints of obedience. However, what we often discover is that this misplaced freedom leads us down a path of pain, shame, and ultimately, enslavement to sin. Jonah learned this lesson the hard way. As he fled, he found himself in a storm, ultimately leading to his descent into the very depths he sought to escape.
In these moments of chaos, we too can feel as if we are trapped in the belly of our own metaphorical whale, isolated from God and lost in despair. It’s in this darkness that we can cry out, just as Jonah did. “In my distress, I called to the Lord, and He answered me.” This cry is not one of self-pity but a plea for redemption. It is the realization that despite our waywardness, God is still merciful and attentive to our cries.
When we come to the end of ourselves, acknowledging our failures and sins, we can finally see the grace that was always extended toward us. God’s grace invites us to exchange our burdens for His joy, lifting us from the grave of our making. Imagine Jonah, wrapped in darkness, suddenly realizing that salvation could come only from the One he had sought to escape. As he turns in repentance, God eagerly saves him.
As you ponder your own journey, consider the areas where you may be running from God’s call. What thrones have you built, and where have you traded the grace of God for your version of freedom? The incredible truth is that even in our darkest moments, God is waiting for our return. He wants to lift us from the chains of our making and place us on the path of life.
He invites us to surrender, to step off the dead-end road of false freedom, and embrace His truth. This is not merely about turning away from our mistakes but actively choosing to run toward Him. Just as Jonah had to make the decision to obey God’s call after his experience in the belly of the whale, we too have that choice. With every step we take toward Him, we feel His hand lifting us from our own graves.
As we reflect on the lyrics “I once was lost but now I’m found; was blind but now I see,” let us consider the grace that has not only saved us but has also opened our eyes to the life God has in store for us. Our journey of faith is one of continual return to that grace, finding our true freedom in Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the amazing grace that saves us from our wandering hearts. Help us to recognize the false freedoms we cling to and turn back to You. May we embrace the path You have set before us, trusting in Your plan and leaning on Your strength. Lift us from our graves, Lord, and restore our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Closing Thought
Let us remember that the sweet sound of amazing grace is not just a melody to be sung but a truth to be lived. May we daily choose to walk in His freedom, forever grateful for the grace that saves a wretch like us, transforming our lives from death to life. Just like Jonah, we can find hope and restoration when we turn back to the source of all grace. Each day is an opportunity to embrace His gift of freedom, recalling that our hearts can truly be set free when we run toward the God who loves us unconditionally.
A Writing
Amazing Grace how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me But I trampled on that gift of life Refusing to be set free
I traded it in for my version of freedom Ruling others from my own throne Instead of following the Master’s plan I wrote one of my own
I failed to see that it was a lie A folly from the master of deceit I thought I invented it on my own How the system I would cheat
I learned the art of hiding out And dodging from my own shame Never taking responsibility Everyone else was to blame
But in the end I was the fool For freedom I did not understand Freedom is not free you see It didn’t work out how I planned
The freedom I was living Turned out to make me a slave Rather than bringing life to me It buried me in my own grave
He led me down a dead end path So He could show me His vision It stopped way short of the water of life And I had to make a decision
Would I turn around and walk away Fleeing from the water’s edge Or would I leave my road and run to Him Embracing His freedom pledge
I stepped off that dead end road And simply trusted He would save With each step I took, I felt His hand Lifting me out of my grave
Amazing Grace how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost but now I’m found Was blind but now I see
[Verse 1] Oh, Your grace, how sweet the sound It called me when I was bound Your mercy reached into my night And led me home into Your light [Chorus] Your amazing grace has set me free It took away the chains on me You called my name, I heard Your voice Now I’m Yours, my heart rejoice [Verse 2] You bore my shame, You took my sin And gave me life, a hope within Your love has claimed me as Your own I stand redeemed before Your throne [Chorus] Your amazing grace has set me free It took away the chains on me You called my name, I heard Your voice Now I’m Yours, my heart rejoice [Bridge] You called me child, You made me whole Your love has healed and saved my soul Forever I’ll sing, forever proclaim Your grace, Your mercy, Your holy name [Outro] Oh, Your grace, how sweet the sound Once lost, but now I have been found Forever I’ll sing, forever proclaim Your grace, your mercy, your holy name [Refrain] Oh, Your grace, how sweet the sound Once lost, but now I have been found Forever I’ll sing, forever proclaim Your grace, your mercy, your holy name
“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Devotional: STOP!!! And Make a Decision
Have you ever felt like life is too noisy, like the decisions and voices around you are pulling you in every direction? It’s easy to get tangled in doubts and pressures, thinking, “What’s the right move? Who should I be?” Our hearts feel restless, pulled by the need to make the right choices and prove ourselves. But God’s Word gives us a powerful reminder in Ephesians: our salvation isn’t about what we’ve done; it’s about what He has done for us.
We are saved by grace. This grace isn’t a prize we win for being good enough, smart enough, or strong enough. It’s God’s pure gift, a gift that clears the noise and helps us find true peace. When we feel lost, God reminds us that we are His masterpiece. We are loved, renewed, and given purpose—not because we are perfect, but because He is.
Sometimes, we need to pause, breathe, and simply stop—stop trying to sort everything out on our own. In that quiet place, we can hear God’s voice telling us that our identity isn’t found in the opinions of others or in our past mistakes. We are created anew in Christ, made to do good things that reflect His love and grace. When we rest in that truth, we can make decisions with clarity, guided by His wisdom instead of our own fears.
God calls us to turn to Him, to lay our burdens down and take a step toward His light. If we feel weighed down by guilt, doubt, or shame, He says, “Come to Me, and I will give you rest.” His grace is greater than any sin, any past, and any confusion. Today, let’s lean into that grace, stop striving, and make the decision to trust in His love.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for Your unending grace. Help us remember that we are Your masterpiece, created in Your image and saved by Your love. When life feels overwhelming, let Your voice be the only one we follow. Guide us to make decisions rooted in Your truth and grace. May we find rest in You and live each day reflecting the love You’ve shown us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Writing:
I can’t fake it I can’t shake it I can’t make them… go away The voices in my head screaming Skeletons I can’t slay
It’s as it should be It’s my fate to disown me
Am I up or am I chic Am I in or am I meek What’s right, what’s sleek What’s good, what’s weak What’s pure, who’s the freak … it’s me
I can’t seem to sort it out I just want to shout…
“Please God, help me…I pray …Release me from the fray ……Of the choices that I weigh ………Of the voices leading me to stray… away”
That’s the chaos of my life It’s the result of my strife To not know where to turn Toward the peace that I yearn So what should I do How can I be true… to myself and to you
And then your voice… the only sane voice… says to me… “STOP!! And make a decision.”
Silence… now I can hear Your voice alone is clear Lifted is the fear I can feel you… for you are near
All I have to do Is turn toward you And get untangled from the view That I’m not loved by you But that you do love me, it’s true No matter what. I know what I need to do… I just need to… STOP!! And make a decision.
When I see life from your view. I realize it wasn’t you… who flew… away.
Again I hear Your voice Just the whisper of Your voice Pleading with me to turn away from the mess I created To simply turn around and walk toward Your Truth
I just need to… STOP!! And make a decision.
And so I did turn I took one step, just one step…and then another… I heard You say, “Give me your burden And I will take care of you”
How do I trust after all these years of hardness For my shame is great, my faith is weak, and I’m tired But I heard You say, “Come to Me And I will give you rest”
Eternal rest. THAT is what I want. THAT is what I need.
There is Hell on Earth…and it’s called separation from You. There is Heaven on Earth…and it’s called Your Grace.
Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within; Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that is greater than all my sin!
The Rap
(Intro) Yo, I’m trapped in the noise, I’m lost in my mind, Skeletons creeping, they’re crossing the line. Doubts keep spinning, I’m running in place, But I hear Your voice calling, cutting through the haze.
(Verse 1) I can’t fake it, no, I can’t shake it, The pain in my chest, I just can’t take it. Voices screaming, got me stuck in my head, Skeletons dancing where the angels once tread.
What’s sleek? What’s weak? Who’s real? Who’s fake? I’m drowning in the questions I can’t seem to shake. I’m shouting to the sky, “God, show me the way, I’m tired of the chaos; I’m begging You today.”
(Hook) STOP! Gotta make a decision, Your voice breaks through with a crystal vision. The fear fades out, now I see You’re near, All I gotta do is turn and let You steer.
(Verse 2) You said, “Lay it down, I’ll carry the weight, Let Me take your struggle, it’s never too late.” Step by step, yeah, I’m walking the light, The chains fall off as I step in the fight.
The lies I believed, now they crumble and fall, Your love lifts me higher, breaking through it all. I was lost in my shame, but You called my name, Now I’m running toward You, never the same.
(Hook) STOP! Gotta make a decision, Your voice breaks through with a crystal vision. The fear fades out, now I see You’re near, All I gotta do is turn and let You steer.
(Bridge) Grace, grace, it’s greater than sin, It pulls me from the darkness I was living within. Hell on Earth? That’s the weight of my shame, But Heaven is Your love, now I’m praising Your name.
You whispered to me, “Give me your pain, I’ll take what’s broken and make you whole again.” Eternal peace, yeah, it’s all that I need, So I follow Your voice, let it take the lead.
(Chorus) Grace, grace, God’s grace, Pulling me out of my darkest place. Grace, grace, it’s a holy embrace, Now I’m running with Your love, set a brand-new pace.
(Outro) So I STOP, and I make the decision, To follow Your path, walk the perfect vision. The shame is gone, my heart feels new, I’m stepping in faith, God, I’m trusting in You.
