READ: PSALM 13:1-6; MATTHEW 11:28-30; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-11; HEBREWS 4:14-16

I am tired, so ready to give in

I am weak, I cannot stand on my own

I need rest, some way to take a break

I need peace, a chance to put away my thoughts

I am anxious, so much to get done

I am frozen, no way to move forward

I need help, some way to push on

I need strength, direction to go forward

I need to sleep

I need to rest

I need to know that You are holding me

I need Your love

I need Your peace

I need to know that You will care for me

I am tired, so ready to give in

Reach down, remind me of your love

Let me see the peace and strength You’ve given me • Emily Acker

• Have you ever felt like the narrator of this poem? We all go through times when we feel exhausted, anxious, and weak. In these times, God does not scold us—He has such compassion for us. He reaches out, and in tenderness He comforts us. God wants us to come to Him for help in every struggle we face. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that Jesus empathizes with you and you can talk to Him about it. In addition to talking to Jesus, who are trusted Christians in your life you can talk to?

• One of the primary ways God helps His people is through His people. If you’re experiencing things like anxiety or insomnia and you’re not sure who to talk to, you can set up an appointment for a one-time complimentary phone consultation with a Christian counselor through the Focus on the Family Counseling Service. In the United States, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) to set up an appointment. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 (NIV)