For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. — Matthew 11:30
Several of our pastors were sick one day, so when the call came in that someone in the mental health center requested a visit, the request was referred over to me. With a little hesitation, I agreed to go. It had been several years since I had visited anyone in this lock down facility, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. But as I was walking up to the door of the building, I felt that the Lord was reassuring me that He would be with me and everything would be okay.
I sat down in the visiting room, and the woman I went to visit opened up her heart and poured out her story. In many ways, her story is no different than any of ours: pain, misunderstanding, injustice, the touch of God, oppression, regret, and forgiveness.
Several things went through my mind as I sat there and listened: the love God has for her; the place she has in heaven; what she has to teach us. The time passed quickly. When I finally thought to look at my watch, I was surprised how late it was. I prayed with her — in awe that our victorious God has His powerful grip on her life. And I invite you to join me in praying for her.
We recently talked about how much Jesus wants us to care for "the least of these brothers of Mine." When I got the call, I was in the middle of a crazy week and that afternoon was really my only chance to get done what I thought I needed to get done.
But do you know something? When I walked out of that mental health facility, I forgot all about all the important work I had to do. I was just overcome by joy. Partly I suppose to see the smile on this woman’s face that someone listened and cared. But much more just the sense that I had shared a precious visit with Jesus.
What God asks of us — it’s so crazy because when we do it we discover that it isn’t an interruption, it isn’t drudgery — it is pure joy.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.