By: Allie Marie Smith
Does your weary heart feel like it can’t take much more? Does it seem like one more headline, one more death or one more senseless act of evil will push you over the edge?
Never in my life have I felt encircled by so much evil, division and suffering — from far away lands like Afghanistan to my own community. Maybe like you, I am getting tired of trying to stay strong and hopeful each day. But then I remember this burden isn’t mine to carry. We weren’t designed to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. We can do what we can in our center of influence, but this burden is God’s to carry and redeem.
So how do we live in the here and now when pain and sorrow surround us? I don’t have a formula but Jesus does, inviting us to come to Him with our weary and burdened hearts as He promises to give us rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28-30).
Practically that could look like getting quiet. Deleting those apps for forever or for a while. Reading fewer headlines. Crying out to God on your knees. Going for a walk without music or podcasts. Praying honestly and fervently. Going to counseling.
And then we can overcome evil with good by rising in anticipation each morning and setting out to search for the good gifts and choosing to be one of the helpers and encouragers.
Let us go on a daily scavenger hunt for joy. Let us choose to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of living (Psalm 27:13) even when it seems like everything is falling apart. An older couple walking hand in hand. A toddler’s mischievous giggle. Your comfiest pair of sweatpants. A delicious meal with family and friends.
So this is your permission to do what you need to do to find rest and to be restored. Suffering is here to stay for now, but joy is still ours for the taking. One day every wrong will be made right and He will wipe away every one of your tears. Redemption is coming.
How do you fight for peace and joy in a world of suffering and uncertainty?
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