Hope comes with a second chance

Life can be difficult and wear us out.
Perhaps unlike any other stretch, the last 12 months have taken their toll on us, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.
The uncertainty of COVID, the unrest in our country and the divisiveness of elections challenge even the strongest.  This year, 2021, has been different, but similar issues still exist.  COVID still haunts us.  Racial unrest persists and political divide widens.
We look for an escape … or at least a reprieve.  Something to refresh our soul, to clear our mind, and give rest to our bodies.
Nothing wrong with a much-needed vacation, a glass of wine or a movie to escape.
But it’s temporary, and the challenges of the day face us in the morning. They aren’t going away (this side of heaven). 
But there is a place to turn to find rest, inner peace and lasting serenity.  Where is it? With our Savior Jesus.
Jesus said it this way: Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
A yoke tied two oxen together to pull at greater strength than each one could individually. Jesus is inviting us to yoke up with him and allow him to pull the weight with us.
What can wear us down is if we try to pull the weight of life alone. We try to figure everything out. We have to have every answer. We carry the regret of the past and the worry of the future. We feel responsible for all the world’s issues. We let Satan burden us with guilt of our past … and the list goes on.
Peter put in this way: Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.
The only place to find refreshment is to bring all that wearies you and burdens you and put it on Jesus’ shoulders. Let him carry it for you or with you.
Does that mean all the problems will go away and we will never have another challenge? No, but it means you have the power of God, the presence of God and the peace of God all on your side. So when the next issue, challenge or stressor comes, take a moment to take it to the Lord in prayer. Ask for what you need (his power, wisdom, peace, etc.) and then move forward with your heart at peace and your soul refreshed.
Perhaps copy and print this to look at every day:
May God be … above you to bless you; below you to support you; before you to guide you; behind you to protect you; beside you to comfort you and inside you to give you strength and joy.