"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 NIV)

How much of the time do those of us with chronic illness, feel weary
or burdened? We often feel tired or exhausted, because doing things
with pain or illness takes so much more out of us. Or we feel
burdened by the worry of what might happen as symptoms worsen, or
financial resources deplete. Sometimes I feel like all my life is
spent feeling just so tired.

Jesus reminds us here that He is the place where we can find rest for
our souls. If we are prepared to be yoked together with Him, He will
help carry the burdens we feel and the weight of them will be
lightened.

Sometimes I think I try to do so much in my own strength, without
acknowledging that I need God's help to bear the load. I do really
know that I can't do it on my own, but so often I forget and set off
without Him.

One thing chronic illness has taught me is that my own strength is
not enough. It never really was, but illness is a continual reminder
of my dependence upon God and His grace to see me through each day.

Remember that proverb that says "a problem shared is a problem
halved". By coming to Jesus with our struggles and our concerns, the
weight our burdens will be lightened, because He is carrying them
with us. He promises that we will find rest for our souls – and that
sounds so inviting!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia