Friday, March 13, 2020  

Today’s Hymn
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“Come unto me and rest;
lay down, O weary one, lay down
your head upon my breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was,
so weary, worn, and sad;
I found him in a resting place,
and he has made me glad.

“I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say” (v. 1) by Horatius Bonar
Hymn 182, Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal

Reflection
Honest moment here: I cry any time this song is sung. I think it wonderfully illustrates what it means to be a follower of Christ as well as being a testament to the power of God’s love. There is this feeling of just utter understanding.

For a long time I worked with this façade of not needing anyone or anything to live my life well. It worked for a while, but like many people I just tired of it. One day, I was on the Chicago number 6 bus. It was full, I was hot, and I just needed a moment, but I could not have one. Headphones in, playlist on, and the first song played: this hymn. I started crying. A stranger asked me if I was OK, and I told them I was just tired, at which point I started laughing at myself for just how worn I had let myself become.

What stood out most in that strange moment on a public bus was this kind face telling me it was OK to be tired and that my burden was now shared. I will not lie and say that I felt instantly better, yet hindsight is 20/20. Maybe it was Jesus in the form of a stranger telling me to rest.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, this world is loud. Help us to hear your voice. Christ, the bearer of mercy, aid us in finding rest in your arm. Lord Jesus, who makes us glad, you love us as we are; guide us in loving the way you love. Amen.

Written by Quantisha Mason, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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