“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27
She wasn’t sure if her family heard her muffled cries as she buried her face in her pillow. She wished the deep ache in her chest would go away. She had nothing left to give. Exhaustion had consumed her. When her audible cries subsided she heard Him whisper to her heart “it’s time.”
Stillness – Silence – then another whisper, “come sit with me a while and let me show you what I will do. Will you trust me?”
Almost immediately, sleep enveloped her. It was a deep sleep like she hadn’t experienced in over a year. Opening her eyes the next morning, she began to believe that she was safe in His arms.
Have you ever been so burdened by life that you wished someone would say to you, “go rest – I’ve got this?” I sure have!
When my children were small I dreamed of having a day alone with no agenda. My imaginary day included a blanket, a book and nature. No laundry. No cooking. No carpooling. Basically, I wanted someone to relieve me of my responsibilities for a day so I could recharge. Can you relate?
As my children got older, the busy days of child-rearing were replaced with a busy career. My desire to be all and do all seemed to fuel my energy. I placed unrealistic expectations on myself and experienced shame when goals were not met.
For years I felt inadequate because I carried the weight of heavy burdens that God did not intend for me to carry.
In her book “The Best Yes” Lysa Terkerst brilliantly penned this quote: “A woman who lives with the stress of an overwhelmed schedule will often ache with the sadness of an underwhelmed soul.” This was my reality.
Unfortunately, in all my business my priorities had changed. I had allowed other things to take priority over Jesus. This was not my intention, but as distractions filled my time, my calendar had no space left for what should have been scheduled first. I soon realized nothing could fill me with the peace that only Jesus provides.
Thankfully He knows our weaknesses and He offers us wisdom from His word.
In Matthew 11:29-30, Jesus says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11: 28-29
Again in Psalms 55:22 He instructs us to cast our burdens on Him and He will sustain us.
What burdens will Jesus carry for us?
Every kind!
He desires that we know the weightlessness of His grace.
If being “overwhelmed” describes your current situation, cast your cares on Jesus and allow Him to carry you. He will lift you above your circumstance. He offers a rest like no other. Take the first step toward Him and let Him carry you the rest of the way.
As she meets with Him each morning, her painful cries are replaced with cries of worship. Day by day she finds rest in His arms. Step by step she’s learning to listen to His voice. Grace upon grace, she’s carried by the lover of her soul.
Because you are what God says that you are! You are enough!“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4
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Inspiring others to place their hope in Jesus is Jill Jensen‘s desire as she writes. Having received inspiration from daily devotionals for years, she appreciates writers who have shared their life with her. She believes we learn from living and that everyone has a story to tell. Jill and her husband Greg have three children and are now entering in to the “empty nest” phase of life. The birth of their first grandchild this year was a sweet reminder of Gods perfect gifts.
