Sweet friend,

I don’t know what hard thing you’re facing right now, but I know something is staring you in the face, trying to get you to back down.

It continually shows up, making you feel discouraged and defeated.

Your eyes are heavy, and your feet are tired. The weight on your shoulders pulls you down more and more each day. I know it’s exhausting.

I wish I could take the weight from your shoulders. I wish I could make it all disappear. Even though I can’t, I pray you turn to God – our rock and hope. I pray these verses from Psalm 71 lift and encourage your weary soul.

Be the rock of refuge,
to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress. (Psalm 71: 3)

For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord,
my confidence since my youth. (Psalm 71: 5)

As for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more. (Psalm 71:14)

Though you have made me see troubles,
many and bitter,
you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
you will again bring me up. (Psalm 71: 20)

Lord, the troubles we face are discouraging and exhausting. They break us down, but Lord, you lift us up. No matter what we face, we can turn to you. You are our hope and refuge. You can rescue us from whatever we face. Nothing is too big for you to handle. Lord, we praise you for who you are. We declare your power. Lord, there is no one like you. Thank you for always being there for us – no matter how great or small our troubles. In Jesus’ name, amen!