I am weary. You know those times in life when every time you turn around something else goes wrong? That’s where I’m at, and it’s hard. And yet, this is life. This is my life, and it’s actually pretty great (though certainly not by my doing).
I’ve been in this constant push and pull with God lately. I come towards Him, yearning for more, then push away when I once again become uncomfortable with that level of vulnerability. Coming again and again to the conclusion I need God more than anything else, I’m brought to my knees in awe of His constant-ness. Guys, we are loved by and amazing God who does not change! As the political climate, world events, school syllabi, and people’s opinions are constantly changing, God does not. God’s character, even His benevolence, is unchanging. My mistakes, my failures, my faulty expectations, they don’t change how God loves me. In light of this, here're some of the things [verses, song lyrics, letters] that have been encouraging. Frazzled college students, tired momma, distressed friend, you are loved with a constant passion.
“Come to me, all 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
Friends, we are invited, by Christ himself, to go to Him in the weariness. We’re invited! He wants us to experience His peace! What love.
“O God be my everything, be my delight. Be Jesus my glory, my soul satisfied.” Be Thou My Vision –Ascend the Hill. This chorus is becoming my heart’s cry to God. I want Him to be everything! I want to find my soulfully satisfied in Christ.
“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” Psalm 62:5.
Secret? [Maybe not so much.] I detest waiting. I’m bad at it. I don’t want to! Yet, there’s something to be said for rejoicing in the waiting, because you know what? God doesn’t change while we’re waiting. He’s still there, and He’s stilling loving.
“He gave His own Son as a ransom for us, the holy One for transgressors, the blameless One for the wicked, the righteous One for the unrighteous, the incorruptible for the corruptible, the immortal One for them that are mortal. For what other thing was capable of covering our sins than His righteousness? By what other one was it possible that we, the wicked and ungodly, could be justified, then by the only Son of God? O sweet exchange! O unsearchable operation! O benefits surpassing all expectation! That the wickedness of many should be hidden in a single righteous One, and that the righteousness of One should justify many transgressors!” Mathetes’ Epistle to Diognetus.
This eloquent reminder of the glory of the Gospel always astounds me, that Christ was sacrificed to make me right before God. O sweet exchange!
Beloved friends, remember with me God is good and great, even and especially when the weariness comes. You are not alone. You are loved, appointed, and more than a conqueror.