Weighed Down By Burden

"For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. My wounds stink and fester because of my foolishness, I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; all the day I go about mourning." -Psalm 38:4–6 

This is the life of sin. Disregard for God and the ensuing heavy burden that follows our messes and foolishness. Noticed rightly in our lives, it leaves us broken, bowed, and mourning. 

For the psalmist, life follows this course. Enemies surround and mock. His own missteps color all of life. It is a grave place in which to remain. Then he cries out, “Don't forsake me Lord, don't be far off… oh Lord of my salvation” (Psalm 38:21-22). He knows where his help comes from; for us, in Christ the help has come. 

At belief in Jesus, we have realized this salvation, the lifting of the burden and the brokenness. He now gives us a light yoke to wear around our necks, one that he earns for us. It is no burden at all but instead opportunity and permission to serve him like never before. The condemnation once felt is now toothless, and our mourning is turned to joy. We are free from our iniquities and foolishness and live by the Spirit that lives in us. 

There might be moments of conviction when we slide back into foolishness, but Jesus does not dish out wrath; he dishes out love and invigoration to live anew. 

Today, whatever the burdens, turn to Jesus and hear of him lifting them. Rest in his nearness and forgiveness of sin. Live in him, and all of the day, go about rejoicing.

This is an excerpt from Depths a daily devotional written by Jonathan Shradar.

Trustworthy and True

“The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful — for he cannot deny himself.” -2 Timothy 2:11–13

Every day together, we get a taste of Gospel goodness from the Word of God. There is always something. That is the richness of Scripture—that Christ is always present and glorified in it. Today is no exception.

If you are in Jesus, if you believe in him as your Savior, your sins have died with him. Now you also live with him, with purpose to know him and run after him. He causes us to endure as we rely on him, bringing us to reign with him. Don't deny or you will be denied. But in his goodness, if we are faithless—if we don't get it all the time—he remains faithful.

We can't fully articulate or fathom the depth of this Gospel truth. Being free from sin, fully covered and forgiven by Jesus' blood, we have not just a second chance but a whole new life and the promise of eternity. Oh, so good is this news!

But let us today rest in the faithfulness of Jesus. When we are not at the top of our game, when we are discouraged, unsure, anxious, fearful, or whatever, Jesus remains faithful because he is true to himself. He can't go back on his character. Jesus remains faithful to care for and keep you through the storms and the uncertainty of life.

Today, cling to him, run to Jesus, cry out to him, and know that he is faithful.

This is an excerpt from Depths a daily devotional written by Jonathan Shradar.