“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. Maybe the past year has been a difficult one and maybe the struggles of the year just never seemed to end. They are looking forward to not only an end, but also a new beginning. Perhaps you have been there. I know I have been.

Just a couple 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 me and my family. I was so engrossed in the troubles and fears, I ended up being blind to the rest I could have been finding in Him.

Perhaps you are finding yourself in the same place right now. You don’t have to wait for the new year to get a fresh start. You can find it today. Just as the people 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.