August 13
Lost
and Looking
"Come to me, all you who are tired and are carrying heavy loads. I will give you rest. Become my servants and learn from me. I am gentle and free of pride. You will find rest for your souls. Serving me is easy, and my load is light."
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIrV)
Neil had tried church before. A couple of times, actually. Once when he was a kid, dragged along by his grandma to a place that smelled like old books and perfume. Then again in college, when a girl he liked invited him. Both times, he walked out feeling the same way—bored, disconnected, like everyone else was in on something he couldn’t see.
The singing felt forced, like people were just going through the motions. The sermons were either too soft, like a self-help talk, or too harsh, making him feel like he was already doomed. And the people? Smiling, shaking hands, talking about being “blessed.” It didn’t feel real. It felt fake.
So, he gave up on it.
But now, years later, something gnawed at him. Life wasn’t going the way he thought it would. He carried stress like a weight on his shoulders—work, bills, regrets, loneliness. He scrolled through his phone at night, looking at people who seemed happy, wondering why he never felt that way.
One Sunday morning, with no real plan, he found himself sitting in his car outside a church he’d never been to. He almost drove away. But something—maybe curiosity, maybe something deeper—made him step inside.
It wasn’t what he expected. The music wasn’t polished, just a guy with a guitar singing from the heart. The people weren’t dressed to impress. Some looked tired, worn, like they had been through some things. The pastor wasn’t on a stage above everyone else—he stood eye level, talking about Jesus like He was someone you could actually know.
Neil didn’t feel judged. He didn’t feel like he had to fake anything.
For the first time, he thought, Maybe this is what it’s supposed to be like. Maybe Jesus isn’t found in perfect performances, but in real people who are just trying to find rest like me.
He exhaled. The weight didn’t disappear, but for the first time in a long time, he didn’t feel like he had to carry it alone.
Prayer:
Jesus, I’ve been searching, but I don’t always know where to look.
I’ve felt lost, disconnected, unsure if You’re even there.
Help me find rest in You.
Lead me to a place where I can grow, where faith is real and not just a routine.
Thank You for never giving up on me, even when I’ve given up on searching for You.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
