Ever feel like you are so tired that just getting out of bed seems like a terrible feat within itself? That’s how I’ve been feeling this past week or so. People keep asking How are you doing? My response has been “I’m just tired.” Wore out, empty, in need of rest.. i thought physical rest, but God has shown me that I need spiritual rest. Resting in the Lord. I have been frustrated because on the weekends all I want to do is sleep and lay around. I feel like I should be doing things (it’s summer!) and connecting with people.
God pulled me aside and said Rest in Me. Again, Matthew 11:28 rang in my head “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
I’ve been wallowing in my burdens and responsibilities. I am a counselor at a christian organization and I absolutely love it! But ministry can absolutely be draining, if I let it… and I’ve let it drain me.. I’ve been trying to survive the best way I can… that doesn’t work. Only through Christ can I live to my best. Today, He reminded of that. I’ve been reading in 2 Corinthians 4 and 5 the last few days. I love 2 Corinthians 4: 8-10 “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.” That has given me encouragement to keep pressing forward. In chapter 5, Paul talks about being ambassadors for Christ. In the commentary of my bible it states “The fear of God gives us uncommon courage in the face of life’s troubles.” What a reminder and change of perspective. So often, I try to fix things on my own or carry others burdens. Sometimes, it’s not for me to fix and not a burden I should carry. As stated above in Matthew 11:29, God’s burden is light, it isn’t heavy.
Laying them down at His feet in order to be free. It’s sooo much easier said than done.
I say all this to say that today I sat down and spent some much needed time in the Word. It didn’t matter what it said but I knew I needed some refreshing from the Lord. I, like many, have been a bit neglectful in reading and praying… thus the feelings of tiredness because I’m not as connected to God as I should be. I kept trying to “fix it” or “figure out what’s wrong”. Something I tell my clients all the time, “It’s ok to not be ok.” Just seek the Lord and He will give you strength. Today, God refreshed me by reminding me of His strength, reminding me what it really means to REST in Him, and Remembering how to refuel myself for the work He has placed before me. It’s amazing to see His strength and receive it in times of weakness.
