Devotional Text

Pastor David’s devotional for March 2, 2022

Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

I Timothy 2:1
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.

We all carry burdens. Many people carry heavy burdens. For some people, the burden has the name “Anxiety” and for some “Depression.” Those suffering from anxiety and depression can, at times, feel like the burden is too heavy to carry. Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, the number of people carrying this burden has increased dramatically. Probably each one of us knows someone struggling with either anxiety or depression or both. And many of us have had our struggles with it too.

Do you have a personal experience with anxiety, or do you have an experience with someone you are close to who has struggled with anxiety? If you answer yes to either of these questions, how do you describe the experience (for those on the podcast, if you are going to speak about another person, don’t mention the person’s name)? What, if anything, did you or the person find helpful?

Likewise, do you have a personal experience with depression, or do you have an experience with someone you are close to who has struggled with depression? If you answer yes to either of these questions, how do you describe the experience (likewise, don’t mention another person’s name)? What, if anything, did you or the person find helpful?

During my sermon on Sunday, I named several practices that are important for a person struggling with anxiety and depression, including naming the problem, taking care of oneself physically, meditating on God’s word, asking someone to pray with you (the person struggling), and seeking help from professionals. I also mentioned some practices that are important for those of us who are helping others who struggle with anxiety and depression, including praying for those who struggle, being present with the person so they don’t go through it alone, helping those who struggle with depression to discern a few priorities and establish routines to address priorities, and recommending professional help.

Let’s talk about two of these practices. First, Meditating on God’s word can be helpful, regardless of the kind of burden we carry. Do you have a favorite scripture that is your “go to” scripture in times of struggle? If so, which scripture is it, and why do you find that particular scripture helpful?

Second, prayer is important when it comes to the burdens we carry, and intercessory prayer is an important way to help others with the burdens they carry. There has been a lot of research lately on the impact prayer has on Mental Health, and study after study reports that folks who are prayed for improve. We know why. God works through the prayers of God’s people! How have you experienced this truth? Have there been times in your life when you were carrying a burden, and through the prayers of others your burden became a bit lighter? Have there been times when you prayed for another person and experienced your prayer answered?

One of the fundament beliefs of our faith is that God works through us to accomplish God’s will and purposes in this world. Another way to say it is we, as God’s people, are invited to participate in the work of God. One way we participate in the work of God is through prayer—God works through our prayers. Since God works through our prayers, intercessory prayer (praying for others) is not just a “nice” thing to do, it is a “necessary” thing to do. How do you respond to this statement: intercessory prayer is not just a nice thing to do, it is a necessary thing to do?

Another way to think about intercessory prayer is this: intercessory prayer opens an avenue for God to work through us, and without prayer that avenue is closed. Prayer is important. It is part of our ministry. Can you think of someone who needs prayer today? Pray for the person; hold the person up to God and ask God to help the person. Who knows, maybe God is waiting to answer!

God bless you, and I hope to see you soon.
Pastor Dave