Light for Life
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
We become burdened when walking along life’s journey. We grow tired of carrying our burdens, and we often want to put them down, but we do not know how. At times we even begin to doubt that we have what it takes to go on. We become mentally stressed and physically drained, and amid troubled times, even ordinary life events can overwhelm us.
When Jesus said, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NRSV), he was speaking to those of us who are troubled. Jesus lived on this earth as a human and saw and experienced suffering and persecution. He was a refugee in another country at a very young age. There were questions of his legitimacy. His nation was under the mantle of Romans. Because of his experiences, Jesus is all the more aware of how much we need his help and presence in our daily lives. That is why he is calling us to him. Jesus is the Word who was with God from the beginning.1 God wants all his children to come to him. His invitation is for everyone. Not one person is to be left behind. God is especially calling the people who are tired of life’s problems, regardless of whether the problem is a failing or abusive relationship, a lack of money, ill health, addiction, old age, or loneliness. Everyone has problems or troubles. Jesus says that he will give us rest. He does not say, “I may give you rest.” The Lord says, “I will give you rest.”
God has offered us an open invitation. When we take our troubles to Jesus, he will help us without fail. The world gives us trouble, anxiety, and worry, but Jesus offers us an alternative. He will give us his peace that defies human understanding.2
Knowing we can call on God for help is not the same as understanding how to use God’s grace to help us in our times of trouble. We can take our troubles to God in prayer. 3 All we need to do is say a simple prayer and honestly open our hearts to God, asking him for the help and support we need. Fancy words are not necessary. Simple language will do. We can pour our hearts out to God and tell him everything. Talk with God as you would with another person, but put aside your fears of judgment. There are things we may not want to share with others, but with God, we need not hold back. He already knows our secret fears and the troubles that we wrestle with daily, but we must be honest with God for our troubles to be lifted.
He always hears when we cry for help. His ears are attentive to our cry. He will comfort us. Then our loving God will succor and sustain us. He will deliver us from all our troubles. He will make our steps firm. His right hand will uphold us. We will be protected. Therefore, we will be glad in the Lord for his help and support. God is always listening to us, and he cares and understands. He answers prayers.4 Sometimes the answer takes time, but we cannot lose hope. Let us continue to raise our concerns and prayers to God. When we call on him, God will come to our aid.5
No matter what trials or tribulations we may go through, God is at work! He is sovereign and in control. Even if we do not always understand God’s reasons, he will bring about something good out of all this. “We know that all things work together for food for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 NRSV). Ultimately everything will work out for the best in our lives.
Prayer
O God of love and compassion, I raise my voice to you, Lord, because I need your help. Come to me riding the heavens in your glorious majesty. You hold your heavenly arms beneath me to catch me if I fall. You are my refuge, Lord. I bring you all the troubles in my life. I pray that you will help me overcome them. If I cannot overcome them, show me how to live with them. Let them be stepping-stones in my life of faith. I trust you, Lord, with these issues. I know that you have a purpose in all things. Teach me to trust you in all things and walk with you. So that I can rest in you, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
I Will Give You Rest
Troubled traveler, Jesus calls you,
“Come to Me with your burdens too.
Your burden is heavy,
And you are weary.
I will give you rest.
“Uphill you struggle.
Many things you juggle.
Your heart is troubled.
Your worries doubled.
I will give you rest.
“Your burdens down you lay.
I will show you the way.
My peace I will give you.
In all that you do,
I will give you rest.”
1. John1:1
2. John 14:27
3. James 5:13
4. Psalm 34:15,17
5. Deuteronomy 33:26–27
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
This book is about God’s love for us in our lives. He is our loving Father who is reaching out to us and calling us to Him. No matter what difficulty we may be in, God is still there for us. He wants us to know that and wants to help us in our present situation. It is up to us to respond to His call. When we are in trouble, fear, worry, pain and sickness, suffering, lonely, sad or anger we can reach out to our Lord. Each topic has a small chapter with a prayer, bible verses and a small discussion. There are also chapters on God’s forgiving love, redemption, and His blessings and temptation. Joy and doing good have also been added. The last chapter is on the pandemic.
About the Author
Sherene Daniel is a medical doctor who has been practicing medicine in the US for 21 years. She attends the Episcopal church and is a member of the altar guild. Her husband is an ordained deacon in the episcopal church.
She is originally from Sri Lanka where she sang in the church choir and was involved in the youth ministry. She was educated at Good Shepherd Convent, in Colombo, a catholic girl’s school. She attended the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. She lives with her husband and two sons in California.