Lent
As we enter Holy week I realized it’s been a year since I have posted anything. It’s been a year of learning, listening, and growing. I am in my last class of my Master's before I finish my capstone project and graduate in the Fall. On top of that my family has relocated. As I begin to enter a new season in the next few months I hope to begin sharing my thoughts with those who would be kind enough to listen.
I was asked to write a brief reflection for Lent by one of the Pastors at our new Church. I was tasked with focusing on Matthew 11: 25-30.
“At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 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.”
I chuckled a little when I read the passage I was assigned. I have been working my way through Dane Ortlund’s Gentle and Lowly The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Suffers after a friend sent it to me last year. Ortlund does a wonderful job of painting a picture of Jesus that for some of us we are not as familiar with, at least this was my reality.
You can read my contribution below and check out the other devotions HERE
As we enter this Holy week, despite whatever season you find yourselves in I hope you allow yourself to share your burdens with a God who deeply wants to carry them for you.
I have practiced using the Psalms as prayers through different times of struggle, grief, injustice, and pain. Psalm 143 gave voice to the desperate prayers whispered during a series of unjust events I have faced.