Weekly Devotion: Our Heavy Burdens

By: Heather Cook

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

As we approach the Advent season, a time of waiting and preparation for the coming of Christ, these words of Jesus invite us to come with our burdens, worries, and grief. Advent is a season of both hope and waiting, much like the journeys we experience in life when we find ourselves in difficult or uncertain seasons.

For families walking through heavy trials—

whether in the NICU with their precious babies,

facing critical illness,

receiving difficult diagnoses,

or enduring the grief and loss of a child—

this passage reminds us that Jesus meets us right where we are. His heart is gentle, full of grace, and ready to offer rest for our souls. Even in our darkest moments, His invitation is to trade our heavy burdens for His light yoke.

As we prepare our hearts for Advent, we remember that Jesus came to bring peace, hope, and healing, even in the midst of pain. His birth was the promise that God is near, even in our suffering, and that He carries our burdens when they are too heavy for us to bear alone.

Father, As I seek You in this season full of excitement and joy, I hold the tension of the pain I carry and my heavy burdens. Help me cling to the hope that You are with me, that Your yoke is easy, and Your burden is light. Give me strength to trust You and find rest in Your loving arms, even when the path is hard. Thank You, Father, that You hold me in Your hands, and that You are the God who brings life and hope to all circumstances. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

Dig Deeper

Reflection Questions:

1. What burdens are you carrying this Advent season that you need to bring to Jesus?

2. How does knowing that Jesus’ yoke is easy and His burden is light change the way you approach your struggles?

3. In what ways can you find rest in Jesus, even when life feels overwhelming or painful?

4. How can you be a source of peace and hope to someone walking through a difficult season this Advent?

Put your faith in Action:

This Advent season, Jesus invites us to lay our burdens at His feet and rest in His peace. Whether you are offering support or walking through heavy trials yourself, here are ways to put faith into action:

1. Offer Practical Support (For Those Supporting Others): Reach out to families navigating difficult seasons. Bring a meal, run errands, or simply be present. Your kindness is invaluable in this season. If You’re Walking Through It: Allow others to help. Say yes to meals or offers of assistance. You don’t have to carry the burden alone—let others be the hands and feet of Jesus to you.

2. Pray Intentionally (For Those Supporting Others): Commit to daily prayer for a family in need. Pray for peace, healing, and strength. Let them know you are lifting them up in prayer. Sometimes, even a text prayer is the encouragement they need in that moment. If You’re Walking Through It: Bring your pain and weariness to God in prayer. Even if words fail, know that the Holy Spirit intercedes for you. Rest in the truth that God hears and cares deeply for you.

3. Join a Ministry (For Those Supporting Others): Volunteer with ministries like Praying Through or others that care for families in crisis. Your service can bring hope to those in need.

4. If You’re Walking Through It: Remember, even in your hardest moments, you are not alone. Cling to the promise in Matthew 11:28-30—Jesus offers rest and lightens your burdens. Let His light carry you through the darkness. Whether you support others or walk through a hard season yourself, know that faith in action brings God’s presence into every moment. Let His love and hope shine brightly this Advent.

Further Reading:

These passages offer strength, hope, and comfort during difficult seasons, reinforcing the truth that God is near, offering rest and renewal.

1. Isaiah 40:28-31

2. Psalm 34:18

3. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

4. Romans 8:26-28

5. Hebrews 4:15-16

Verse to Meditate On:

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Heather Cook lives in Arizona with her husband and three daughters. As the Women’s Pastor at her church, she is passionate about encouraging others, a calling she has embraced through writing. She currently writes for her blog, Live Beautiful Ministries and contributes to several other blogs. She has recently signed a book deal, with her first release scheduled for 2026.

She has a special place in her heart for Praying Through Ministries. When her youngest daughter was in the NICU, she had a supportive community, but none who truly understood the season her family was in. After she graduated from the NICU, Heather discovered Praying Through and felt God’s call to serve. Volunteering with this ministry has been a blessing.

You can connect with her on social media @HeyHeatherCook or read more at LiveBeautifulMinistries.com.