Don’t Be Stubborn

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he
will lift you up.
James 4:10 (NIV)

 

 

 

When we feel overloaded, the world can seem colder and harder. Even if the sun is shining, we might not notice because we’re looking down. Birds may be singing, but all we can hear is our own cries of pain, sadness, and exhaustion.

 

When we feel this way, we might pull away from others and focus only on our problems. Sometimes we feel this way because of disappointment, sudden troubles or losses, or just too many responsibilities. Other times, it might be sin that weighs us down. No matter the reason, it can feel like a heavy burden pressing on us.

 

But in our sadness, God Almighty invites us to come close to Him and find rest. The prophet Jeremiah shared God’s message, saying to look for the “good way and walk in it,” which is how we’ll find rest (Jeremiah 6:16).

 

Right now, why not look up to your Heavenly Father? Jesus offers us living water, which gives us strength. Take time to let your soul feel this strength so you can ask God to show you the right path. With the Holy Spirit’s help, take one step, then another, and He will give you peace.

 

Jeremiah 6:16 also tells us the Israelites’ response—they chose not to walk with God. Let’s choose differently by standing, asking, and walking in God’s way so we can find the rest Jesus promises.

 

Adapted from Charles F. Stanley, Pathways to His Presence (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006), 253.