I got my first tattoo a few years ago. The image of a tiny sun shining on a simple orange innertube didn’t hurt very much, and I haven’t regretted it for a moment. Every time I get a glimpse of it on the inside of my wrist, I smile. Just thinking about floating in the water on a warm, sunny day lightens my heart.

Lighthearted: free from care, anxiety, or seriousness. Cheerfully optimistic and hopeful. 

I wonder if anybody feels like that anymore. Is it possible to live in this stressful world and still be full of hope and optimism? To feel carefree and even playful when we are in the midst of a struggle?

Peter’s words encourage and remind us that it is…

His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. By these he has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire. 2 Peter 1:4 CSB

Here are a few of God’s very great and precious promises that can lighten our hearts today:

Jesus gives us rest.

Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

We can bring him all the burdens we are carrying around and all the worry in our hearts and minds. He offers to hold everything for us while we take a breath and let him take care of the details.

Nothing can separate us from God’s love.

“…neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 

Nothing. Not conflict, mental illness, financial trouble, or addiction. Not shame, guilt, or doubt. God sent his only Son to bring us back to himself, and he is fiercely protective of and devoted to us.

God will hold on to us.

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

No matter what is happening around or inside of us, we are in his hands. We don’t have to be afraid when the news isn’t what we were hoping and praying for. The One who is in control holds all things, and he holds us.

God inviting us to live lightheartedly. Right now.

One day, he will invite us into Heaven where there will be no more tears, no stress or pain or fear. But while we wait, he is inviting us to participate in the divine nature–abundant life with him here on earth.

His great and precious promises will usher us right in.

These promises are alive with power, mystery, and truth. They help us to know him better, to open our minds and hearts to his higher purpose. They welcome us into a refuge of comfort and strength through the storms of life.

My innertube tattoo reminds me of this divine invitation. In the middle of the chaos, we can take Jesus’ hand and enter in. No matter how rough the waves get, he will be holding us up and keeping us afloat.

We belong to the One who is faithful to keep his great and precious promises.

Let’s trust him to hold–and lighten–our hearts today.