Friday, November 6, 2026

Bible in a Year Reading Plan: 2 Kings 1-5 | John 15

Have you ever tried to fix a problem by thinking about it just a little more? You replay the conversation, make a list of possible outcomes, imagine five different scenarios, and somehow end up more exhausted than when you started. If overthinking burned calories, I'd be in incredible shape!

But sometimes, no amount of analyzing, planning, or trying harder can bring us the peace we need. In those moments, Jesus offers something better than another strategy: himself.

In Mark 5, we read about a man tormented by demons and isolated by everyone around him. Then he encounters Jesus, and his life changes completely. The man who once lived in fear is restored, given a new identity, and sent out with a purpose.

His circumstances weren't beyond Jesus' reach, and neither are ours.

Jesus extends this same invitation to us today.

Matthew 11:28
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Jesus doesn't ask us to get all of our spinning thoughts in order before we come to him. He doesn't tell us to check off a few more to-dos and then stop by to see if we've done enough to earn what he's offering. Nope. We don't have to do anything but show up. 

He invites us to come as we are - weary, worried, overwhelmed, and unsure of what comes next. He invites us to trust him with our burdens, not just manage them.

Whatever is weighing on you today, you don't have to figure it all out before you turn to Jesus. You can bring him your fears, surrender your need for control, and trust him with your whole life. The same Jesus who brought freedom and peace to a hurting man 2,000 years ago is still the answer today.

So, what would your burden look like if you trusted Jesus with it today?

1 Peter 5:7
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Questions:
What would it look like to trust Jesus with the part of your life you most want to control today?

Next Steps:
Take a few minutes to name your burdens before God honestly. Write them down, speak them out loud, or tell a trusted friend.

Read Matthew 11:28 and 1 Peter 5:7 slowly, allowing the invitation and promise to sink in.

Prayer:
Jesus, I bring my burdens to you today. Help me to trust you with what I cannot control and to rest in your unfailing care. Fill my heart with the peace I know only you can offer. I love you, I trust you, and I worship you. Amen.

Written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content at CedarCreek Church.