Father
Happy Monday friends! How was your Father’s Day. I personally love watching my husband engage with our children. He has such a passion for the Lord and I see my kids just light up when they spend focused time together. By focused I mean without electronics. We are trying more and more to eliminate the “noise”.
Now I know that Father’s Day can be very difficult for many people. While some of us have very fond memories of our father, others likely don’t like to think about their father at all. Whatever the case may be, I want you all to know that you have a Heavenly Father that loves you! Since Jesus was fully human, he understands rejection, loneliness, loss, and fatigue. He wept when he heard Lazarus had died. He was denied by his one of his closest friends, Peter, three times. He would preach for many days and need to go away to rest. Sisters, whatever you are going through, God gets it. Jesus has lived it and he will carry you through it! All you have to do is ask.
In Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Here in Matthew when he refers to “yoke” he is not talking about an egg but rather the yoke that was placed around an animal’s neck to pull the plow. To have a light yoke symbolizes a low level of burden. Friends the Lord is not harsh. He wants us to bring everything to him. What a wonderful heavenly father to have if we allow him into our hearts.
I want to invite you today to allow the Lord into those deep, dark places. The areas where you feel like you have failed. I want you to place it all at his feet and know that he is accessible to all. Do not allow your past to define you. Do not allow others to define you. Rather, look to the Lord to define you. He says you are chosen (John 15:16), loved (Jeremiah 31:3), beautiful (Psalm 45:11) and so much more. Hold on to those truths this week.
Heavenly Father, I want to lift up those who are weary today. Lord comfort us. Help us to see that you hold us in the palm of your hand. Father, what you start you will bring to completion for those who love you and are called according to your purpose. Help us to hear your calling. Be with us and go before us this week. In your name we pray, Amen.