"Sadness"

When the rain beats down,

And the wind gets high,

It’s a long way to town,

And you’re thin on try,

And just one thing more,

Is one thing too much,

And your heart is so sore,

Feeling way out of touch,

With all of the things,

That once made you strong,

Relief that peace brings,

And shows you belong,

But not just quite yet,

And the lonely all know,

That a sad old regret,

Will oft leave you slow.

And what worked before,

Your former default,

To close that old door,

On the sadness you caught,

Won’t make it leave,

Though you wish that it would,

There is no reprieve,

So you pray like you should,

But even your prayer,

Seems your time to waste,

And unless you’ve been there,

And had such a taste,

You might stand and judge,

The ones who still cry,

Think they just need a nudge,

Or a little more try,

But judge them I never,

For I’ve been in that place,

Felt sanity sever,

Fell flat on my face.

So what is the answer,

We know it’s the Lord,

To heal our soul cancer,

And start moving toward,

The light that still flickers,

Through the darkness that’s deep,

Despite satan’s snickers,

God’s promise He’ll keep.

So come with that burden,

That threatens and pulls,

‘Cause Jesus is certain,

And His love annuls,

All lies that encumber,

All hurts that can’t heal,

No matter the number,

His power is real.

He offers us the easy yoke,

Says take His burden light,

It’s your name that He spoke,

And He will make you right.

And then you’ll look back,

And describe how He came,

To put you on track,

To the praise of His name.

“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 11:28-29, NIV)

There is no doubt that following Jesus involves His yoke and His burden. There is a definite cost to discipleship that must be considered and ultimately embraced. But here’s the good news. His yoke is easy and His burden is light! Compared to what? Compared to the burden of hopelessness, depression, addiction and despair. In fact compared to anything the world or the enemy puts on us, what Jesus gives us is awesome! Exhausted? Come and receive the rest Jesus promised.

Lord, help us learn from You, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Herman Walker, used by permission. Thanks, Herman, and God bless you.