Feeling Burdened and Alone

In the early part of 2024, my family planned to place my mother in memory care. But the tragic thing was that she didn’t even know it. I grieved . . . felt out of control. Throughout the day, my anguished thoughts felt as if they would consume me. At night, I lay restless and tossed in bed. How I needed a friend closer than a brother.

There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

~Proverbs 18:24b NIV

Comforting Words

I am blessed to have a few close friends—one from high school. Over the weeks before moving mom, my friend’s caring words comforted my deep sadness. She listened to me cry and vent, enabling me to take the load off my shoulders. And she validated my pain when I felt weighed down.

Our Co-sufferer

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses.

~Hebrews 4:15 NIV

Jesus is our friend who sticks closer than a brother. He’s present and always available. He understands our struggles and co-suffers with our brokenness in life’s hardships. Our challenge is to talk to Him like an old friend we can unload on, knowing He will not judge us.

Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows.

~Isaiah 53:4a NIV

This truth calls me to lay down my struggles and trust Jesus to pick them up and carry them as if they are His own. I can visualize Jesus holding my mom in His gentle, safe arms.

What burden do you need to lay before the Lord?

Father, You sit on Your throne, strong and mighty. Your presence, glory, and peace surround me. Thank you for Your goodness. Jesus, the burden is too heavy for me. I lay it down before You. I cannot carry it, but You can. Spirit, sustain my spirit with Yourself indwelling in me. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: A Friend Closer Than a Brother: Lynne Head: All Rights Reserved