Photo taken in Hawaii.

Author: Elton Streyle, Contributor: Noah, Photography and Editing: Ali

Heavenly Father, I come to You in the Name of Jesus to thank and praise You for the rest I can find in Your arms. You invite me to cast all my burdens and cares upon You, and You will carry me through this life.

I appreciate what Jesus said in Mathew 11:28-30. “Come to Me all you 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 in your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” This verse seems like it would be easy to do, but I ask You to forgive me for the many times I give my cares and burdens to You, then take them back shortly thereafter and begin to worry or try to solve them in my own strength. Since I can do nothing apart from You, teach me to bring all things to You and leave them there, whether big or small, difficult or easy.

Develop in me the daily habit of practicing Hebrews 4:16. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” ​Guide me to also accept and rest in Your promise in 2 Corinthians 12:9a. Jesus said: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Remind me often that each day that I live is a testament to Your amazing grace and that I can claim nothing for myself. I thank You for the privilege of being a believer in Jesus Christ and being able to ​experience these verses and many others ​as a reality in my life. As this musical phrase states, “to God be the glory, great things He has done.”

Resting in Jesus’ Name, Amen.