The Standard May 27, 2023
Do you find yourself tired today? Perhaps it is physical exhaustion, from too little sleep or seemingly endless work and responsibilities. It could be a mental or emotional strain, caused from carrying the joy-crushing burdens of guilt or regret. May and June tend to be exceptionally busy months, with end-of-school-year programs, graduations, parties, weddings, and anniversaries. Schedules can be packed with activities. For those who are not a part of such celebrations, talk of them might cause loneliness or sadness.
Psalmist David poignantly writes, “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” “One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done.” (Psalm 62:1-2, 5-8, 11-12)
“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:1-8)
The Prophet Isaiah gives a message of comfort to God’s people who have been exiled from their homeland. “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31)
God does not intend for us to be bogged down, trying to shoulder the weight of our own problems or those of others all alone. Attempting to take control of situations beyond our control or striving to perform multiple roles perfectly is exhausting. Comparing our lives to those around us and allowing feelings of the need to keep up with the Joneses do not constitute a recipe for peaceful living. It is good to assess our priorities and to consider our need to slow down occasionally and rest in our secure relationship with God.
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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
celiastone 