Is it just me or has anyone else noticed, around every corner, you or someone you know is battling this, working through that, or waiting on the world to change?
Some days I feel like a talking triage for friends in need, and other days I’m managing a high profile crime case in the car rider line about who took the water bottle from the back seat. The stakes are high and the adventures are plenty these days.
Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for my role as mother, daughter, sister, friend, co-worker, and talkative stranger. I’m just saying it can be exhausting sometimes and I want us all to take a little bit of pressure off of ourselves.
At this point, for most, the thought of “taking a break” actually induces more stress. Breaks mean that we have to first figure out how to stop a high speed train from moving. Then, we have to explain to the boss (literally or figuratively) why we are stopping. Once we are on the break, we feel bad about breaking. And THEN, we have to get the big ol’ thing moving again.
If you look this theory up in modern day philosophy, you’ll find it under the human condition: “A-D-U-L-T-I-N-G”.
If you look it up in the Bible, you’ll find Psalm 23.
We adults are becoming physically and emotionally ill to this crippling reality. The most unfortunate part of that is our children too are suffering. In response to our example, they take on too much, compare before they should care, and dwell on things that they shouldn’t have to hold on to.
So what do we do?
The plates being juggled are falling on the floor and there’s no time to watch the YouTube tutorial.
Often times, I’m guilty of trying all available resources before going to God and asking Him what I should do. It is typically in those holy moments of surrender that He reveals a word, a sign, or gut feeling of His truth.
1The LORD is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.
Before we lift another finger or add something new to the routine, we may find rest in the fact that God has given us all that we need.
This may be a season of loss, decrease, or suffering. That’s why God leads us to rest by peaceful streams.
Our physical body may be feeling depleted or weak. God knew we would feel this way, so he provides us with the strength that surpasses our own understanding.
God knows about your fears, concerns, and deepest worries too. That’s why He reminds us not to fear in the dark valleys. His love comes in the form of protection and comfort. Both of which are poured out equally for you and I.
The schedule may be busy and each role you play feels consuming. Still, God has made it so your cup overflows with blessings.
His love for us is a constant pursuit. When caught up by the weight of the world, I encourage you to remember that Jesus didn’t pay for it all so that it could all fall on you.
Take a moment to savor that reality.
You are being pursued, exactly where you are, with all the weight that you carry. God knows that your feet are tired and your shoulders are sore. This is your reminder that you can lay every single burden weighing you down at the feet of the Lord.
Local Pulse Staff Writer & Holy Moments Columnist, Makenna Curtis
