“Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.”
-Come Now Long Expected Jesus
“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him.” Psalm 62:5
For many people, the end of the year is welcomed with open arms. For a lot of people, this past year, in particular, has been a difficult one and maybe the struggles of the year don’t seem to have an end in sight. Many are looking forward to not only an end but also a new beginning. 2023 can’t come fast enough.
Just a couple of years ago, I could not wait for the new year to come. I had such an emotionally draining year and the troubles were relentless, so I looked forward to the new year. The new year meant a fresh start. It represented a new beginning where I could be released from all the burdens that plagued my family and me. I was so engrossed in the troubles and fears, I ended up being blind to the rest I could have been finding in Him.
Here I am in 2022, finding myself in the same situation. Yet, as I listen to this song, I am reminded of the One who came to release us, free us, and provide a place of rest.
Perhaps you are finding yourself in the same place right now. We don’t have to wait for the new year to get a fresh start. We can find it today. Just as the people of His time waited for the long-expected Jesus to come and free them, we do not have to wait. He is here. He has come to release us from our fears and sins, to free us, to give us hope and rest in the shadow of His wings. We can lay our burdens at the beautiful feet of Jesus.
“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.” Matthew 11:28-30
PRAYER
Lord, I am labored and heavy laden. Let my rest come from You. Help me to give my fears and sins over to You and rest in Your hope alone. Amen.
Raelyn Pracht 