The definition of grace is “unmerited favor.” Prosperity preachers say it’s akin to winning the lottery. But I’d like to suggest a more sustaining definition taken from the words of Jesus, himself:

“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 11:28-30

I understand now that grace is God’s extended hand of compassion in difficult circumstances. When grace is the last thing we want to give ourselves, or our neighbor, God asks that we let him carry that burden.

I believe we need to dedicate the coming week to prayer. Let’s ask God for an outpouring of grace on our country. We are all weary right now. Weary of the pandemic, of economic uncertainty, of political rancor. Our hearts are broken and mistrustful of those in authority.

Sometimes it feels as if we are pushing against the wind. Which is exactly when we need God’s grace to lift our weary shoulders and show us the hope that is in front of us.

Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson’s column “Walking our Faith” publishes Saturdays in the Summit Daily News (summitdaily.com). Anderson is the author of 10 novels and nonfiction books on faith. She has lived in Breckenridge since 2015. Contact her at [email protected]