God Pause

Rev. Dr. Judy Bullock, BCC, M.Div., 2020
Pastor, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Knoxville, TN

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
We can only imagine the sorrow in Jesus’ heart as he acknowledged that people just cannot be pleased. When John the Baptist showed up, living simply and calling people to repentance, they said he had a demon. Then, Jesus came eating and drinking with regular people, and they called him a glutton and a drunkard. It’s like they were looking for any excuse to reject the good news instead of receiving it.

The same can be true today, especially when we get caught up in our own expectations and we miss the invitation Jesus offers in the middle of the chaos. Instead of letting worry, regret, or trying to control everything drag us down, Jesus wants us to stop fighting against the very peace he’s trying to give. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about trusting he will be there for us even when life feels messy.

Loving Lord, we praise your relentless patience and steadfast love. Thank you for forgiving us when we allow the noise in our world to make it difficult to hear your voice calling us to surrender all to you and trusting you will give us peace. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Judy Bullock, BCC, M.Div., 2020
Pastor, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Knoxville, TN

Psalm 145:8-14
What a blessing to know that the Lord—gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love—reaches out to all who are struggling and lifts those who are downtrodden. When cares weigh heavily and strength fails, the same Lord who sustains creation invites us to surrender our burdens. He doesn’t stand there with arms crossed waiting for us to figure it out; he’s already reaching down to lift us from despair.

The Lord, who is near to all who call on him in truth, hears our cries and saves us. Surrendering doesn’t mean we’re weak or failing; it means we’re finally humbling ourselves to trust Jesus, who is merciful and abounding in steadfast love, to help shoulder what we were never meant to carry alone. So, we don’t have to pretend everything is fine, because he sees the weight we’re carrying and offers his peace in exchange.

Compassionate Lord, we thank you for your faithfulness and abundant mercy. In humble surrender, we entrust all that overwhelms us—fear, grief, worry, and doubt—into your loving care, trusting Jesus will uphold us when we fall and lift us up when we are in despair. Amen.