Hope-Filled Sunday!
Happy Sunday! Here’s some encouragement for your week.
I don’t know about you, but I admit: I’m tired! Like me, you may have a difficult time resting. I live with chronic pain and illness, so I’m always tired, yet the pain makes it difficult to rest. And the fatigue I deal with is different than what someone experiences after a poor night’s sleep. It’s kind of like trying to navigate life with a bad, and chronic, case of the flu. And some days are downright exhausting to try and do the most basic tasks. So the idea of finding rest—true rest, especially in the middle of life’s hustle and bustle—is very appealing. But it’s also challenging.
God is offering us rest! Click To Tweet
In today’s society, it’s almost a rite of passage to work to exhaustion. Is it any wonder people feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed (or a combination of these)? We all have things on our shoulders we were never asked to carry. So we plug away, best we can, and are left longing for a moment to breathe, as well as time to rest.
So how are we to fix this? The verse tells us: “Come to me…” God is letting us know that we weren’t made to do life alone. He knew we’d get in over our heads. And those times serve as a reminder that He’s there for us. He’s the One in control of it all anyway, so He’s totally fine with carrying our loads. He’s not taking away our responsibilities, just the burdens associated with them. And when we loosen our grip, we are then able to accept the rest He offers us.
Lord, take these burdens that are weighing me down and, in its place, give me the rest and peace that only You can offer. Amen.
If you’d like to read more Hope-Filled Sunday posts, click here.
I’m reading this in the middle of the night. I woke up and could not go back to sleep because I started thinking about a family situation I wasn’t sure how to take care of.
I do not have chronic pain, but my husband does. Being tired throughout the day is his life. It’s hard for him because his body won’t let him do what he used to do. It’s hard for me because I see this change and am having a hard time accepting it. I know that’s not fair. I need to take this to God and “let go, let God” give me a new perspective.
And this isn’t even what is keeping me awake.
Thanks Leslie for your columns. I always enjoy them. Thanks for letting me vent right now at 3:57 a.m.
As you say, I hope for you a less pain filled day.
I’m so sorry that you had a sleepless night, but I’m glad you were able to find comfort in this post and God’s Words.
I’m sure it must be challenging, for you and your husband. And I totally understand those feelings of “it’s not fair.” I have them far more often than I like to admit. And while I try to remember to “let go and let God,” that’s not always my go-to in the moment. All we can do is try our best to do what we can and trust God to help with the rest. And I know that He sees us and hears our cries, as He always seems to give me reminders of this when I need it the most. (And it seems like He may have done that for you at 3:57 a.m.)
Sending prayers to you and your husband.
Thank you for your kind words.
You’re welcome.