Have you ever had those times when you felt totally overwhelmed with life and by life? You’re not sleeping well. Things at work are stressful. Home-your normal place of refuge-is in an upheaval. Your workouts (if you exercise)-which are normally refreshing-seem to be a real drag. Even your moments of “me time” are seemingly non-existent and if you have them, too much is going through your brain for you to relax and enjoy them.
The truth is as plain as the nose on your face: we have all experienced them from time to time. From the holy one to the vulgar one. From the disciplined one to the undisciplined one. It doesn’t matter. It is part and parcel of being part of the human race. 🙂
The late David Powlison wrote these words:
We have this God who enters the stage of human need, who invades mercifully and powerfully to shield us, to strengthen us, to forgive us, to help us, to lead us, to care for us, to be a refuge for us.” (Take Heart)-p.208
The Psalmist wrote these words: “Who rises up for me against the wicked? Who stands for up for me against evildoers? If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought ‘My foot slips,’ your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart were many, your consolations cheer my soul….But the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.” (94:16-19,22)
Even though we may have those moments, days, weeks, even months when we feel hopeless and helpless, overwhelmed, beaten down or defeated, we are none of those. We have Someone who feels what we are feeling, but who also walks alongside and says, “Here. Let me take that from you.” LET HIM.
Lord, help me carry my burdens and assure me You are always there for me in times of need.
Blessings, Bill!
That is the prayer we need Martha. Thanks.
I know I have experienced the moments you describe, and yes… we need to LET HIM take those burdens we carry.
We must be members of the same club! 🙂
Times like that really stink, but eventually we all get to sit in that boat, probably more often than we like. The culture only sees joy and peace in their way not a Biblical view. Being a Christ follower we can see what Jesus meant when He talks about true peace and joy, you cannot see that or experience that unless you are all in with Christ. We understand that we do not face anything in life that Jesus is not right there with us. Leaning on God does not mean the journey will be easy, it does mean you are never alone in that journey, that will bring you peace and joy when you are in the middle of the storm.
Well said Gail. I’m glad we are never alone. That journey, that walk, would sure be a lonely one or a wayward one
Yes, and amen, Pastor Bill! “Let Him.” Sometimes that is where my hangup comes in. This morning, I have been studying the passage where Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. I find that I would have been the same way as Peter and balked at the thought of Jesus doing this. I got to thinking about how our pride can hinder us from allowing God to have full access and to do all for us that He is wanting to do. Feelings of unworthiness can actually turn into a form of pride and something we cling to. God wants to do so much more for us than we are allowing Him to. My pastor Papaw used to say, “God will be everything to us that our faith will take Him for.” I say, “Lord, please increase my faith and help me open up to ALL You have for me, in Jesus’ name, amen.” God bless you today, Pastor!
I believe you are right Cheryl. Pride does play a part way too often in my relationship with Jesus, even though I fight it. Ya goota wonder how much of the “God didn’t do something” is because of our pride. And I would say your pastor Papaw was a very wise man. thanks for the blessing.