It is the weekend. For most, the weekend is a time to get away from the pressures of work and relax. Let me encourage you to spend as much time as possible this weekend putting your troubles on hold and focusing instead on rest and relaxation.

I'm not trying to minimize the complex and difficult situations many are facing, but we must find time to put the burdens down and simply rest. We are much better equipped to handle life's problems when we are fresh and energized, than when tired and worn out. It is in the run down times when our problems look insurmountable and we are most apt to become depressed and lose hope. Even Jesus had to get away once in a while to recharge.

A time of rest can do many things for us. It not only helps to regain physical strength it allows us to regain our mental strength. Most important though, a time of rest helps us to focus on our relationship with the Lord. In the midst of our trials, we can miss out on time with Him which just compounds our problems. That time of rest allows us to not only recharge our bodies and minds, but our relationship with the Lord. So today while you rest, and recharge, dwell not on your problems, but focus on Jesus!

Have a wonderful weekend of rest and relaxation, spend quality time with family and friends, and most important spend quality time with the Lord. He loves you, cares about you, and will make you adequate each day for the challenges that you face. Focus on living life in His strength and not your own strength, and those burdens won't seem as heavy. Enjoy this day as you put your troubles on hold, and find that peace that passes all understanding in Jesus.

If we at the Wooddale Church of Christ can be of any spiritual assistance to you, please contact us by E-mail at Bill Bryant, Tom Smith , J. Raymond Pecoraro or Wayne Dinkins