Amid life’s storms
The hurricanes that battered the East Coast in fall 2024 also battered my soul. I was over the rain and humidity. I was tired of lugging my two preschoolers through the downpours and driving through flash floods at night. Yet I had no reason to complain. Our house was still standing, with no damage.
The news around us was worrying and heartbreaking. “What if that was us?” I wondered. “Would I be strong enough?”
Then the kids asked to play outside. Even though I knew they’d get wet and muddy, I gave in. When a rainbow appeared, I’d never been more humbled as I remembered: I don’t need to be anxious. I don’t need to be strong enough. God watches over us all. He knows the hurt and sorrow. And he promises to be “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1, ESV).
Lord, forgive my unbelief. “Hear my cry, O God … when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:1-2, ESV).
—Kristen Greene
Resting in Jesus
An old hymn declares:
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto me and rest.
Lay down, O weary one, lay down your head upon my breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was, so weary, worn and sad.
I found in him a resting-place, and he has made me glad. (Horatius
Bonar, 1846)
Many people these days feel exhausted by division, the news, hatred
that seems louder than love. More than ever, we who are “weary,
worn, and sad” need to hear Jesus say, “Come unto me and rest.”
Jesus wants to be our resting place — but not so we can hide forever from reality. Instead, he offers a place of refreshment where we can relax long enough to remember that not everything is bad; there is gospel to share. Not everything is hatred; God’s love is stronger.
Resting in Jesus, we focus on God’s goodness. We are reminded of love shown by kind people to those in trouble, bold voices speaking for justice, warm friendships that brighten our days. Gladdened by rest, we rise again. Jesus walks with us, as always. We can lean on him every step of the way.
—Heidi Hyland Mann
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