Last night, the Holy Spirit was moving during our small group sessions. Praise God! While the ladies spent extra time interceding for one another, the men were prompted to pray for them. I received an image during that time of intercession that inspired the writing of this post. If you or a woman you know can relate to this, please share as an encouragement to strengthen them in their Spirit-filled life with Christ.

Have a blessed week!

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The pressure has been mounting for months, 

You feel the weight upon you as it pushes against your shoulders, 

Weighing you down…

            Exhausted. Burdened. Weak. 

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With tears in your eyes, you feel forced to be strong, 

To put a smile on your face and carry on, 

Laying burdens upon your shoulders…

            Of pressing standards you need to uphold to gain approval. 

            Of self-imposed expectations to do what is right. 

            Of past mistakes that cling to you. 

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You are not sure how much longer this can go on, 

It doesn’t seem right, but you don’t know what to do.

You feel like giving up… 

            Defeated. Broken. Hopeless. 

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Now listen to Me, and listen carefully,  

You don’t need to carry these burdens anymore. 

I want to take those burdens and give you…[1]

            Peace. Rest. Joy. 

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Come to Me, who are weary and burdened, 

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.[2] 

Throw off of your shoulders the weight of…

            Rejection. Shame. A false identity. 

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Self-imposed expectations are not yours to carry. 

I have come to give life and life abundantly.[3] 

I want you to know…

            I have set you free.[4] You are not a prisoner of sin, and your past doesn’t define you.[5] I see you as a pure and holy bride waiting for her husband.[6] 

             I am the Prince of Peace.[7] I have calmed the sea, and I can quiet anxiety when chaos abounds within you.[8] Reach out your hand and trust Me.[9] 

            You are more than enough. There is nothing you can do to earn my love, for I love you for you who are.[10] There are no sins that are too forgone to be forgiven.[11] You are white as snow.[12] 

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Burdens be gone – cast them down! 

Now feel the gentle touch of my presence, 

And remember that you are…

            Beloved. My precious daughter. Royalty to the King of Kings. 

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I will lead you beside still waters.[13] 

I will sustain you with my love. 

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. 

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[1] 1 Peter 5:7

[2] Matthew 11:2-30

[3] John 10:10

[4] John 8:36

[5] Colossians 1:21-22

[6] Ephesians 5:25-27

[7] Isaiah 9:6

[8] Mark 4:35-41

[9] Matthew 14:31

[10] Ephesians 2:8-9

[11] Romans 8:38-39

[12] Isaiah 1:18

[13] Psalm 23:2