Listen to this devotion
How, Lord … can I carry my burdens?
In the Word
… you are to rejoice before the LORD your God in everything you put your hand to (Deuteronomy 12:18b).
Of the Word
Her decline came on slowly — lost words, repeated stories, forgotten faces. The disease progressed, until finally she could do nothing for herself. Her loving family cared for her. They bathed her, fed her, diapered her, sang and talked to her. Sometimes the work was overwhelming. One daughter said, “When I think I cannot go on, I remember that Jesus said whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Him. I told myself that when I was taking care of Mama, I was taking care of Jesus.”
Rejoice … in everything. That’s a tall order! God doesn’t say, “Rejoice for everything,” but rather Rejoice … in everything (Deuteronomy 12:18b.) God’s people can do that — not in and of themselves — but because The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Psalm 46:11). God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
Walking with my Lord
Dear Lord, when the load I carry is heavy, help me remember that I am serving You. Then renew my spirit so I can rejoice in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 24/32 ©2011 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.
