“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28, New International Version

Yesterday was one of “those days” – you know the kind of day when you feel discouraged, overwhelmed and alone all at the same time. The most amazing thing was that I did all the “right things” – I spent time in God’s Word, worked out, went to the grocery store, picked up the house, checked my email, took care of Alyssa, made dinner, yet at the end of the day I felt depleted and empty. Anyone else been there? To my dismay all of these “right things” did not fill my soul with peace. I needed to hear from God, I needed His tranquility. So, I found a quiet spot and poured out my heart to God. I simply sat in His Presence. Then suddenly I heard Jesus say, “Let’s exchange – you give me your day that has been burdensome and full of stress and in exchange I will give you my life that is full of peace.” He continued, “Tracy, there is a place of rest I have provided for you. Just come to me every day and we will exchange: My peace for your stress, My joy for your sorrow, My forgiveness for your sin, My healing for your sickness, My wisdom for your confusion, My love for your fear, My grace for your wrong choices, My strength for your tiredness. Just come to me and I will give you rest.”

Needless to say my day changed within an instant! My question for you is what do you need to exchange? What is heavy on your heart? Take these concerns and run to God with them. Sit in the lap of your heavenly Father and exchange your needs for His provision this day. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!

Prayer:
Lord, I take a moment to exchange my pain, my past, and every issue that is heavy on my heart this day. As I hand these things over to you I receive your strength, hope, power, truth, healing, wisdom and every spiritual blessing you have for me this day. I place my eyes on You Lord Jesus and not my circumstances. Keep me close to you Jesus and open my ears to hear your voice each and every day.” Amen.

I know that I usually just publish on Tuesday’s, but after hearing from several of you, I decided that we all needed a little encouragment to conquer the “post-holiday blues.” I pray this word has encouraged you today. I love you!

P.S. Is anyone else cleaning your house from top to bottom? I am noticing that every woman I speak with (including myself) is cleaning out closets, cabinets, painting, getting rid of things. I believe this is symbolic of what God is doing in our lives to prepare us for the new year. So clean on!!