Paper or plastic?
Regardless of what you answered at the grocery store, you knew they were gonna help you get your groceries home. Then Aldis and Sam's Club and other places started this "we aren't providing either so deal with it" plan and I learned the art of stacking incredibly too many items into
a random discarded strawberry box while hoping it doesn't spill out on the first turn out of the parking lot (let alone carrying up to the house!).
We all carry a lot of things with us. Pain. Hurts. Hopes. Dreams. And despite the best efforts to keep the meat separate from the raw veggies at the grocery store, in real life they tend to all mix together.
Because life is messy.
And hard.
And we need help carrying - or at least discernment on what we should be holding on to and what we need to leave at the foot of the cross. Isaiah 14:3 says, "And it will be in the day when the Lord gives you rest from your pain and turmoil and harsh service in which you have been enslaved," and 1 Kings 8:56 says, “Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised; not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He promised through Moses His servant."
The other verse that God pulled me to the other day also fits well - Matthew 11:28-30, "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."
On the other side, we are challenged to hold on to the promises and hope God has for us. Consider these verses: "You will be secure because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor.” Job 11:18–19 And Psalms 34:17-18 which says, “The righteous cry out, and ; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Be encouraged today friends that you are not alone. Give to God the fears and hurts while holding on to the promises and hope. Know that God will help.