The Upper Room Devotional for 22nd August 2023
The Upper Room Devotional for 22nd August 2023, Tuesday Message by Kate Rietema (Michigan, USA)
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TOPIC: Hidden Hurts
TODAY’S READING
Matthew 11:25-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28 (NRSVUE)
I glanced at my five-year-old daughter just as she touched the tip of a hot glue gun. She silently yanked her finger back, hid her hand in her lap, and bent forward in pain. I exclaimed, “Piper! Are you okay?” I pulled her hand from her lap and saw a large blister on her fingertip.
Piper is independent, tough, and always trying to keep up with her three older sisters. As I ran cold water over her finger, I recalled many other instances when Piper hid her hurts from me: when her skin got pinched in a heavy metal clip, when she took a nasty fall off her bike, when she was being teased at school. It pains my heart to watch Piper hurt alone. I want her to come to me and tell me how she is hurting so I can comfort her and help carry her pain.
Reading Matthew 11:28, I think Jesus feels the same way about us. So why am I reluctant to bring my hurts and burdens to him? Jesus loves us and wants us to tell him our hurts, even though he already sees and knows them. When we come to Jesus, pouring out our weary hearts, he gives us rest.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Loving Lord, help us to bring our hurts and heartaches to you. We thank you for the rest you offer. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I will share my burdens with Jesus, who offers me comfort and rest.
PRAYER FOCUS
Someone carrying a heavy burden
The Upper Room Devotional for 22nd August 2023 Message, is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More.
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