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I’ve had a hard time falling asleep the past couple of months. If I’m still awake after midnight, the frustration builds.
Recently, instead of scrolling through social media, dating apps, or worse, becoming a cyber-detective to figure out whether or not someone I was really excited about ghosted me because he was still in fact married (but I digress), the following words popped in my brain: “Take this from me.”
Read more: Take This From MeTake This From Me
Is this exactly what Jesus said on the cross as He was dying? No.
But as I reflect on this Easter weekend, I’m reminded of both the joy and the pain Christ’s resurrection brings.
What we celebrate now for its life-giving power was only sheer devastation to those who witnessed his torture played out in real-time.
What we now ‘remember’ with plentiful pastels, plastic eggs, fluffy bunnies, and more candy than we know what to do with was once marked with crimson blood, thorns, and dark slashes of flesh.
Even though Jesus knew what was coming, that it had to be done, and what it would mean for eternity, he still asked to be rescued in the moment. If the Savior of the world suffered before his glory, why would we expect our road to be any different?
I struggle with wanting to trust people, but then getting burned when I let my guard down.
I want to believe the best in those around me, but actions speak louder than words.
At times, I want to bury my head in the sand, but I also don’t want to miss the opportunity to find beauty in the small things of life.
We may not always understand why something is happening in the moment, but we can trust that we love and serve a God who knows all things and ultimately desires the best for us.
Scriptures to Ponder
“From noon to three, the whole earth was dark. Around mid-afternoon Jesus groaned out of the depths, crying loudly, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” – Matthew 27:45-46 MSG
“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” – Mk 14:36
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” – Matt 11:28
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” – 1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you” – Psalm 55:22a
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”- Phil 4:6
“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Is 41:10
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you…The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged.” – Deut 31:6 & 8
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
