A weekly reflection from a member of the Hastings clergy

This week’s article by Pastor Paris Pasch of The Journey Church in Hastings

Words Matter

It’s a very challenging moment in time for many folks as they navigate through the pandemic. As a local pastor our churches have had to make numerous adjustments in order to try and accomplish our heavenly assignment in the lives of those who connect to our churches. As citizens, Covid-19 has attempted to have a real impact on our lively hoods and our financial realities. Thank God many of our churches are filled with faithfully engaged congregations, either in-person or online.

However in the midst of all this, we should consider those who are faced with issues beyond their comprehension. Maybe it’s the person fighting cancer, or the family faced with a housing need. Maybe it’s a child who needs constant medical care or an aging parent whom you can’t visit. Maybe you’ve been a parent teaching school to your kids for the first time and you’re overwhelmed.

Part of my role as a pastor is to bring words of comfort and care to people who are faced with mountains of burden. Thankfully I have a toolbox full of heartfelt words given by God who sees the end of this circumstance we are in the middle of. He is not constrained by what we call the new normal. He gives amazing counsel to all of humanity. Here is a beautiful statement right from Jesus’ mouth.

Matthew 11:28–30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Rest is not found in the absence of challenges, but rather in the presence of comfort and rescue. If you are overwhelmed this week, then consider simply talking with God about starting a living relationship with His son Jesus Christ. If you’re unsure how to start, then call one of our local churches for help. He has plenty of words to bring you comfort in a disquieted world.