“Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you restless and disturbed within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall again praise Him, The help of my [sad] countenance and my God.” Psalm 43:5

As spiritual being walking in a physical world, we can easily become overwhelmed by our emotions and circumstances. There are few things that have such a profound effect on our spiritual, physical and emotional well-being as problems and worries! They seem to influence our mind and thoughts to such an extent that our mental abilities become impaired. The Psalmist asks, “Why are you in despair?” The word here perfectly describes the debilitating condition caused by despairs effect. The Hebrew literally means to “to cause a mass to collapse in a heap” In extreme cases despair leads to spiritual shipwreck for many believers. Our Lord and Savior knew this when he called out,

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. 29Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST (renewal, blessed quiet) FOR YOUR SOULS. 30For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 AMP

What is interesting here is the word used for burdened. The Greek word here is used to describe the loading of a ship! Basically, Jesus is saying “load all of that on Me!” It doesn’t say that things will magically change, it does however remind us as the great hymnist penned,

“What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!” Joseph M. Scriven

Notice that the writer connects pray with the release of burdens. Pray is the communication pathway for dialogue with God. Many times, we take things upon ourselves that squarely belong on the shoulders of our Savior. If it is He who is at work in our lives, then we can trust that He knows best. Jesus reminded us that,

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]” John 16:33 AMP

My prayer today is that the peace that passes understand would bring comfort and rest to you soul. When you feel that the weight of life is pressing down, look up for your redeemer can carry it all! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken