I have been reading the classic book “Island of the Blue Dolphins” with my daughter Ava. In the book (based on a verifiable true story), a young girl in the 1800’s is tragically left alone on her island off the coast of Santa Barbara. After the rest of the village leaves, she has to endure a reality of surviving alone. She endures difficulty after difficulty. Each day is a day of gathering food, fending off wild dogs and seeking shelter.
As I have been reading, I have been thinking of all of us. Many of us are just surviving each day. Many of us aren’t thriving. We feel chased, pressed into corners and unable to get off the island of our torments.
But, Jesus sees us. He’s providing gifts of his grace to us. In an isolating world, Jesus has provided for us home and refuge: each other. If you are in a community group, you are being provided with strength and connection for this journey. If you are not in a Community Group, we can connect you to a Triad so you can connect with others for encouragement and prayer.
Read out loud what Jesus’s invitation is:
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Matthew 11:28–30 (NLT)
What are your heavy burdens right now? What is making you weary? How might your community group be a part of Jesus’ rest for you?
Write out a prayer to God that confesses your burdens and asks for strength. Also, if you know who is in your community group, begin to pray for them by name.