Life goes by at the speed of light. Our schedules are filled to the brim and we're constantly in a rush to do the next thing, to check the next task off our to-do list, to accomplish our next goal. Surely I'm not the only one. And if we're honest about it? It really wears us out, doesn't it? We get so tired of constantly going and pushing forward. We are running on empty and don't know how to get filled again, because we never slow down. We leave ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained. Maybe because we were never meant to do this ourselves? The to-do lists, the goals, the dreams, the responsibilities, the work, the requirements. All of it. Maybe we weren't meant to do it on our own after all. Maybe the reason we feel empty and like we have nothing left to give is because we've been doing it all in our own strength, only to realize that we aren't as strong enough for it as we thought. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) You know what happens when we take everything on ourselves and we constantly give out without taking the time necessary to breathe in His rest? We burn out. We run on empty. We give up. When we don't take the time to rest in Him, we are putting unnecessary stress on ourselves. Here's a truth for your soul tonight...you don't have to do it all. Because your worth is not measured by how much you do but by Whose you are. Remember the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42? In this story, Jesus visits the house of His friends, Mary and Martha. Mary chooses to sit at the feet of Jesus and rest in His presence and learn from Him. Martha however is so busy making sure everything is perfect. She's so distracted trying to serve Jesus that she misses out on getting to be with Him. And that's what we do too, isn't it? We serve Jesus. We check everything off on our spiritual to-do lists. We pour ourselves out until we're empty and then we keep going until we burn out and give up. And we miss getting to sit at His feet. We miss getting to be with Him, getting to enjoy His presence. We miss getting to rest in Him and be loved by Him. In her frustration, Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her. We do that sometimes too, right? We tell Jesus, "Well if my family would help more with these responsibilities, I wouldn't have as much to do." Or, "Why are so many people in my church leaving me to lead this ministry alone? It's not fair!" We sound like Martha: "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." Ouch. She even told Jesus what to do. But you know what Jesus says? He doesn't tell her to keep serving. He doesn't tell her to do more. He doesn't tell Mary to help her. Nope. He says so lovingly, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." Mary chose the best thing. She chose Jesus. Next time life overwhelms you and your to-do list is off the charts, take a step back, even if only for a few minutes a day. When you feel that burn-out starting to hit and you've got nothing left to give, sit down at His feet. Come to Him. Rest in Him. Let Him fill you. His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
10 Comments
What a great and timely reminder. So often summer can actually turn out so much more busier than the rest of the year :P This post got me to think especially about how our physically/emotionally/mentally/crazily (haha) drained feelings are often just signs that we need to go back to God and "recharge" per say. This past week I made it a priority to get up early one morning and have some time with God before math with Dad. It took a lot of mental determination to get out of bed (I find that I need to get showered/dressed/ready first unless I'm mentally still groggy when I do devotions) but it was SO worth it. Taking the time to slow down and start with the Lord really set the mood for the day. I got so much accomplished! When life is super busy, it's so important to go to the Lord first thing, be still, and get His strength for the day.
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Bella Morganthal
7/4/2017 10:44:38 am
Thank you so much for your comment and for sharing from your heart, Grace! I love hearing your thoughts :) Agreed about summer, haha :P xD Amen!
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Olivia Bell (aka Livy)
7/1/2017 06:50:21 pm
Very true, Bella! Often I feel worn down by all the things I need to do and to get written, and this was a great encouragement to me! :D
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Bella Morganthal
7/4/2017 10:45:33 am
Aw I'm so glad Livy! Keep pressing on and writing for Jesus! :D
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Olivia Bell (aka Livy)
7/6/2017 04:31:00 pm
Not that I meant I don't enjoy writing, writing is a God-given joy of mine! I just meant sometimes when I have a lot of deadlines to meet, I'm sure you know what I mean! =)
Bella Morganthal
7/8/2017 09:43:24 pm
Oh yes! I totally understand that ;)
Courtney
7/3/2017 02:10:50 pm
Thank you so much for sharing this post, Bella, I needed to hear it. His strength is made perfect in weakness ♥
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Bella Morganthal
7/4/2017 10:45:57 am
Thank you, dear. Love you ♥
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Bella Morganthal
7/8/2017 09:43:50 pm
Aww thanks for your encouragement, Beth!!! <3
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