Heavy

Do you ever have those days when life just feels heavy?  Like the evil of this world is too much to take on?  Like your heart is on the verge of breaking when you think about the burdens that the people around you have to bear?

Today is one of those days.

It's one of those days when the bleak tapestry of the sky matches the canvas of my heart.  It's one of those days when life handed me lemons, and I don't have the energy to make lemonade.  It's one of those days when as much as I've tried to rouse the Spirit within me, I cannot shake the desire to get back in bed, go to sleep, and try again tomorrow.

What are we to do with days like today?  If I had the answer, I probably wouldn't be writing this post.

What I do know is that Jesus tells us to come to Him when we are "weary and heavy-laden," and He "will give us rest."  (Matthew 11:28, NASB)  I love how The Message translates this familiar passage of Scripture:

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."  ~ Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)

Another verse I cling to when the life seems heavy is Psalm 126:5 - "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy."  Perhaps, this verse holds the key to surviving days like today--remembering God's goodness in times past.  (One of my friends calls this practice a "having a positive confession.")  Psalm 126 is one of the Psalms of Ascents that was sung by the Pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem.  In this Psalm, the Pilgrims recount God's faithfulness to them.  As they mount the steps toward home, they remember the many tears they cried in exile and the shouts of joy they lifted up to God when He brought them home.

Again, Eugene Peterson's translation of this passage is masterful.  Check it out:

"And now, God, do it again—
      bring rains to our drought-stricken lives
   So those who planted their crops in despair
      will shout hurrahs at the harvest,
   So those who went off with heavy hearts
      will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing."

~ Psalm 126:4-5, The Message

When we have trouble finding joy in today, at the very least, let us not forget the faithfulness God showed to us yesterday.  Let us also look forward to the hope of tomorrow!