Feel like the weight of the world is trying crush your soul? Feel like the pressures around you are snuffing your candle of peace and joy? I feel like that right now. I’ve been up until 3 or 4am almost every night working to finish some freelance projects while still getting up for work in the morning for my regular 9-5 job at Stevenson University.There are things I need to do at home, things to do at church, songs I want to learn and people I want to hang out with. But I’m so burdened by my responsibilities that I don’t have any relax and recover time. I need some encouragement today because I’m incredibly tired and sleep deprived. These words from Jesus are helping to keep me going today:
“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 18:28-30 (ESV)
I know I have a family who loves and supports me. I have kids that bring me so much joy. But work, church, second work and family are keeping me super busy at the moment. I need a full night’s rest and a moment of silence to quench this worn out, emptiness I feel right now.
God promises to fill us when we are weary and empty. In fact, Jesus loves to lift up those who are weary, humble and discouraged because when we are in our weakest state, God comes and gives us the strength to sustain us and give us hope. I am overwhelmed by God’s unfailing love and grace. Thank God I don’t get what I deserve, but through God’s grace I get what I could never deserve. I love the beatitudes that Jesus gave during his immortalized Sermon on the Mount recorded in the book of Matthew:
“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”
“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
– Matthew 5:3-12 (NLT)
This encourages and convicts me. I am filled with hope when I am beaten up by the world that God has offered his promises to people like me. However, I am also convicted by this passage because of how many times I have not been “humble”, “merciful” or someone who will “hunger and thirst for justice (translated righteousness in other versions)”. It’s kinda funny how many passages in God’s Word will do this. I am lead to repentance for my shortcomings and yet encouraged by the hope Christ has given us if we only turn back to follow Him.
“And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up.”
– Galatians 6:9 (TLB)
Do not be discouraged today. Let God lift you up as you rely on Him for strength. That’s what I’m doing today. What keeps you going when you’re tired and worn out?
Jake Wattenphul 