Today in my Abiding Space blog, I want to discuss an epidemic that I see in Christian circles– being worn out. I can easily recognize the symptoms. When asked how you are doing the response is, “I am busy!” Or perhaps I see the same glazed over look in their eyes as I have seen on mine during certain seasons of my life. Or it could be that I recognize the lack of energy, purpose or joy. Friends, this is not the life we are called to as Christians. Jesus described our lives:
The thief comes only to steal and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)
It is the thief that keeps us on the busy wheel spinning round and round. Jesus offers us something vastly different; a full abundant life.
This morning in my quiet time, I sensed the Lord saying this to me: Joanne, you don’t have to be all things to all people. That’s my job.
I realized that this is what I had been doing– trying to keep up with my busy life and still please others and not let them down. Anyone else ever fallen into that trap? The truth is that we should not live in a place where we are overwhelmed or too busy all the time. If you permanently live in a state of busyness, that is the subject of another discussion. However, there are unavoidable seasons when life is busier than normal, and you are aware that it is temporary. The key is to take a step back and evaluate what you can let go of temporarily. Sometimes we simply need to ask the Lord to help us through it. The answer God gave me was powerful. The Holy Spirit was reminding me that I don’t have to be all things to all people. That was His job. If you are in a busy season right now, what is the Lord telling you? What is contributing to your stress?
Jesus often went to a quiet place to be with His Father. He made that a priority when the crowds pressed in. He only did what the Father told Him and this was his key to handling the long pressure-filled days. His Dad led Him and spoke to Him. But if Jesus had not pulled away from the crowds, perhaps He would have been worn out. Scripture is silent on this which leads me to believe His days, though not stress-free, were purposeful and He did not burn out.
So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing by himself. He only does what he sees the Father doing. (John 5:19)
I love picturing Jesus as He went through the streets in his earthly journey, healing the sick, delivering the oppressed, loving the unloved; speaking the truth boldly. He had a very busy life! I am certain there were times when He was physically tired. But He kept going with His eyes on His Father and His ear alert to His father’s instruction.
Each of us is led by the Great Shepherd. Jesus said that His sheep will hear His voice. He leads us to green pastures and still waters. So… whatever season you are in, listen for His voice. He will guide you and help you through it.
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