"Stress-Free"

The next time that you worry,

And your life’s in a hurry,

A-chasin’ things that you don’t really need,

Do a little down-shift,

And quietly a prayer lift,

And you’ll find from stress you’re slowly freed.

Go out and catch your pony,

Escape all that is phony,

Saddle up and get some pasture time,

The best advice that I know,

Is slow down all that fast go,

Open up the Book and read a line.

When you combine the slow-down,

With horseback time far from town,

And prayin’ and a-readin’ from God’s Word,

It is a great prescription,

For the season’s tight constriction,

And throws some slack, that’s just what I’ve heard.

Fact, I’ve more than heard about it,

It’s why I do not doubt it,

I’ve done it and It’s been a help to me,

But if you’ve never known it,

I promise when I’ve sown it,

I reaped all that I needed to be free.

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest…” (Mt. 11:28, NLT)

Life can be exhausting, and when you add to the busy-ness of the holidays, well…When you’re tired, burdens are heavier, and stress takes a heavier toll. Consider unplugging for some quiet time with God. His word to the Psalmist, “Be still and know that I am God…” is still a very pertinent word for us. Or these words from Jesus who promises rest and relief if we will only come to Him. He has a burden and a yoke for us, but the burden is light and the yoke is easy compared to the things we are carrying. Jesus promises rest. Get some.

Lord, help us find the rest that only You can give, in Jesus’ name.