January 4, 2026
Happy Sunday,
Ah, the new year: a time for fresh starts. It might have felt more like crawling across a finish line than stepping into a bright, shiny new year.
Last week, we celebrated the good that news can bring. But as we all know far too well, life can make us weary. And the news certainly doesn’t help.
Headlines are marked by heaviness: shootings, wars, political division, natural disasters… and that’s just what’s picked up by major outlets. We also saw social media posts and received phone calls that left us overwhelmed and heartbroken.
But when news weighs on us, Jesus offers a lighter load:
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 (CSB)
We worship a God who bears our burdens and gives us deep, soul-satisfying rest—a rest that transcends today’s circumstances and bolsters us for tomorrow’s bad news.
As we face another year of news, let’s first come to Him in prayer:
Our Lowly and Humble Lord,
as we turn the page of another year,
we confess that we are weary and burdened,
for our world is not as it should be.
Sin and death still abound,
war and sorrows never seem to cease,
nor do our anxieties about them.
Giver of Rest,
thank You for exchanging the yoke of our slavery—
to sin and striving and carrying it all ourselves—
for one tied to You,
and for giving us Your eternal rest.
For You alone can satisfy our souls,
and You give Yourself to us freely.1
Bearer of our Burdens,
remind us each day that You are well-acquainted with our griefs and struggles,2
and help us remember that the bad news of the world
is not outside Your knowledge or control.
When news makes us anxious,
be our Peace.
When news makes us angry,
be our Peace.
When news leaves us heartbroken,
be our Peace.
Giver of the Easy Yoke,
Strengthen us with Your gracious rest
before the world gets noisy, busy, and burdensome.
Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love3
that we may walk in Your ways
regardless of what news may meet us.
And comfort us every evening,
with the knowledge that You are pleased with even our weak efforts.
Good Teacher,
give us the wisdom to respond to heavy news in faith and with hope.Help us bear this yoke with humility, gentleness, and joy,
and, day after day, faithfully trod the path You have laid for us.
knowing it leads to an even deeper rest—
one that lasts forever in Your glorious presence.4
In Your name, Amen.
Grace and peace to you,
Bailey Parmley
Recommended Reading
1. Titus 3:4-7
2. Isaiah 53:1-6
3. Psalm 90
4. Revelation 7:9-17
Recommended Resource
I’m what you would call… easily distracted. My Bible reading can go from 1 Corinthians 10:31 to scrolling Pinterest for dinner recipes in seconds. But when I read along with the Dwell app, it’s so much easier to stay focused. I just choose my favorite human voice (shoutout to Felix), background music, translation, and sweet-spot speed, and Scripture comes alive while I’m reading. Check it out for yourself!*
*from TPO’s partners
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