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Psalm 88:13-18  

But I cry to you for help, LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you. Why, LORD, do you reject me and hide your face from me? From my youth I have suffered and been close to death; I have borne your terrors and am in despair. Your wrath has swept over me; your terrors have destroyed me. All day long they surround me like a flood; they have completely engulfed me. You have taken from me friend and neighbor—darkness is my closest friend. 

You know your heart is heavy when it’s heavy in the morning; when the great challenge in your life settles in during your first conscious thoughts…when the dread of another day splashes over your mind before you can splash water on your face. 

You know your heart is heavy when it’s heavy in the morning; when the cries of the night become cries of the morning…when the night brought no resolve…and no peace. 

You know your heart is heavy when it’s heavy in the morning; when getting out of bed takes all of your energy…when you can barely get dressed…when your mind is so filled with that great challenge that nothing else is important. 

You know your heart is heavy when it’s heavy in the morning; when it feels like God is hiding His face…when the darkness of night is your companion during the day.

You know your heart is heavy when it’s heavy in the morning. And God knows it too. Your great challenge may still be with you at the end of the day, but God is there too. He desires to carry your heavy load. Hand it over and sleep well. 

Father, my heart is heavy. I feel like I have to carry the burden alone. Words like “overwhelmed,” “distraught,” and “exhausted” seem to describe where I am. I don’t know how to let You carry my heavy load, so please show me. Take it from me. Let me rest and be refreshed so that my heart won’t be so heavy in the morning. In Jesus’ name. Amen.