Every year, I spend a quarter of my time preparing for and paying yet another check to the IRS for misgauging what the government claims I owe them. I thought to save some money this time and use H&R Block. It didn't work, since there were deductions for which I'd not even thought of using, while my high priced accountant quickly helped remove the burden of what I owed, into a refund, which she rapidly took for her fee. I can't win!

And that's the whole point of salvation! I CAN'T win! No matter how I examine my life, I always come up short! Whether it's grumping at my kids on a night when I've come home exhausted, or I resent the fees and penalties (not even getting into the legality of taxes!) for not filing of the government, but I resist the work of God in my life, which causes even more stress!

You arms too short to box with God! The famous line, written by James Weldon Johnson, author of God's Trombones, nailed it in just eight words! But the difference between God and the IRS is eminently a bottomless divide. While the government will seize your home and all your property for what they want of our trembling frames, God doesn't demand our money at all! He blesses us, then asks us to help those around us, calling a simple cup of water in Jesus name, an offering to our Lord!

Salvation is the answer all our shortcomings, sins, failures, and the day in which we throw up our hands in despair. God whispers, give ME all your failures! I will give you REST. While we struggle, God provides. And what He provides is complete forgiveness for all the ugly times when I barked, disobeyed, and broke my word. For the times when I hurt my kids and yelled at my wife. For all the self inflicted suffering I've endured, He forgives!

Lord, Your salvation is enough for that heavy load I'm carrying!