When Your Heart is Heavy!


My table set for the Holidays!



Matthew 11:28:30 (The Message)

28-30. "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

Words of encouragement and hope from the Word of God! I often use the Message translation because of the simple but powerful way it is spoken. When I came across "learn the unforced rhythms of grace" it just blessed me so. This is what we must have to sustain us in the time we are living in. Uncertainty is an understatement! Major problems with the economy, health issues, financial, the list does go on and on. Where do we turn? Well, we should turn to Jesus, but many times we don't. Fear causes us to have unbelief and doubt and we wonder where God is in our circumstances. Life has changed for all of us and I believe the stage is being set for the return of our Lord and Savior. I don't know about you but I pray you are keeping your focus on "The Way, The Truth and The Light". A heavy heart can cause us to lose our focus for awhile but we are to never give up. My husband who is also a preacher is an encourager. His faith is amazing in the midst of trials! Mine? Not as much, I have to admit to doing some whining and complaining. Then I always think of the Israelites. God leading them, protecting them, feeding them and all He ever wanted was for them to be obedient and trust Him. Oh He did tire of them didn't He? As I am sure He does with us. But I am also reminded that "He knows our frame" and loves us with an unfailing love. So as I am writing this my faith is strengthened again. Will I ever doubt and wonder if God really knows what is best for me? Unfortunately, yes I will. But I am going to keep on keeping on. Heaven is my home and I have to be on a journey to get there. Our job as Christians is to build each other up in the faith, we must pray for each other and stand firm. I pray you will be encouraged as you read the Word of God, not my words, but His Words for there you will be set free. Have a wonderful rest of the week sweet friends! I will also ask you to pray for my sister as she is facing very serious health problems. Thank you!
Please check out Spiritual Sundays, you will be blessed!
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8 comments:

Nikki (Sarah) said...

great post Shirley....hope your weekend is the best

Anonymous said...

The Holy Spirit knows just what we need. So many of the posts this Spiritual Sunday are about slowing down, focusing on the reason for the season, turning our burdens over to Him and resting in His arms. Have a Happy Spiritual Sunday
and blessed Advent season!

Anonymous said...

What a balm to my soul your words are today. I love the Message translation of that passage of scripture...the unforced rythms of grace. Beautiful imagery. Have a wonderful weekend, Patty

Joan Hall said...

Shirley - lifting your sister up in prayer. We can rest assured in the blessed hope we have in Jesus. No matter what our circumstances, He is there for us...life may not always be easy, but He has overcome the world!

Blessings,
Joan

My Cottage Charm said...

Hi Shirley! You really made my day saying my mantel was your pick over all the ones you've looked at...thank you so much! :)
I have to say thank you again too, for the wonderful encouraging post! I too, believe the Lord's return is coming soon, and I look forward to it! This world just gets darker and darker everyday, but I KNOW who holds my tomorrow...and my eternity, for that matter, so I am at peace.
I hope to see you on my blog again, thanks so much for stopping by!
Hugs
Missy :)

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

When I have a heavy heart I seem to seek him more.I need to seek him just as much when my heart's not so heavy.
God Bless,
Ginger

Charlotte said...

This is so true, Shirley. Thank you for the encouraging reminder that we need to trust him in all circumstances, not just when things are going well. I will pray for your sister.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Donnie said...

Your sister will be in my prayers. I liked your words and I appreciate them. Have a blessed week.