Weary?
Last night I posted the following writing to Facebook. It seemed to resonate with the hearts of many. Because different people may read my blog posts, I’m sharing last night’s Facebook post here. Later, I have something else I want to share on my blog, but for now, blessings as we all seek rest from our weariness.
I am tired. Weary might be a better word.
For one thing, there is this pesky virus that won’t quit. “My son tested positive for COVID, and we need to change your hair appointment.” “My son tested positive for COVID, and I was with him on Christmas:” and so we changed our plans to visit today. The musician leading music at my church wasn’t there the last two Sundays…tested positive for COVID. Multiple friends from our statewide music ministry asking for prayer, testing positive for COVID. It’s wearying to see the virus hurting so many.
And then there are the other illnesses, dreadful diseases taking a toll on too many. A close loved one facing the journey of a cancer battle no one wants to face. Another loved one hearing the letters, “ALS,” a word impossible to digest. A beloved former music director living his last days with hospice care. Church members or their loved ones ill and dying.
How can there be so many in my little world carrying these weights? Multiply that by all the “little worlds” in this big world, and it is overwhelming.
I believe this is why Peter needed to keep his eyes on Jesus as he walked on water during the storm. When I look at all the needs around me, I drown in sorrow and sadness. The storm is too strong for me to handle. But if I look at Jesus, the One whose mighty hands flung the stars in space, the One who paid the enormous price for my sin, the penalty I could never pay, so that I can live in peace with the Father now and always, the One who chooses to walk with me/us here and now in the midst of this storm…if I look at Him, I can keep walking and not drown.
When I look at Jesus, I can see the beauty He is still drawing all over this earth. I can see His presence at work in the midst of the hurt and the pain. I can be at peace and sing inside for joy because He has a plan, a kingdom that is to come, one that will be ruled by the Prince of Peace, with absolute justice and righteousness and without pain and sadness. He is the King I serve now and forever.
Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords. The Righteous Judge and Prince of Peace. The One who is the Lover of our souls. In the midst of this storm, He is the One who says, “Peace, be still.” He says it to my heart. And He says it to the storm. My heart is quieted now as my Savior walks with me in the storm. And one day the storm will no longer be a threat at all, for my King will rule His kingdom in perfect peace. Trust Jesus, I will. And by His grace, I’ll keep walking, with my eyes on Him.
“Let us run with endurance the race set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1b-2a
“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.” Isaiah 9:2
Here is a reminder to keep my eyes on Jesus, the Light in the darkness, the Peace in our storm
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2 Comments
Annette Phillips
Carolyn, Today as I sat down to check my computer, I too was weary. Having spent Thanksgiving, Christmas, and now New Year alone for the first time in 66 years. I am not exactly tired, just weary. I have so much to do, for I spent much of my time with Ed this last year and just didn’t get “round to it”. Now that I have free time and am trying to get stared, it seems every thing I touch has Ed’s name on it, and I find myself deep in memories. I know this will pass as I heal, so I am just trying to take my time and go with the flow for the day. I LOVE your post. You write so well and somehow each one I read seems as if it has a message just for me. They really do help, for sometime I feel as if I am” spinning my wheels” and at the end of the day am disapointed in the way i have spent my day. Your message seems to say to me it’s O.K., take your time , lean on Jesus, and this too will pass. Thanks for the lift for today. P.S. I am enjoying my book and read it everyday. Somewhere deep inside me is a written Thank You note, it just may be July before I am in the mood. No one in my family ever called me “speedy”. But, it is on my brain and it will come. Meanwhile, no you can’t have it back. Love and prayers. Annette
cthigpen377
Annette, thank you for your note. You stay in my heart. I know you and many others have lost loved ones this year and all the special days hold such difficult emotions. You have always amazed me with your energy and spunk. Even with this great loss, you mourn but keep moving forward. My prayer is that Jesus will make Himself known to you in a special way during these times of being alone. I’m glad my words could give a lift. Writing the post honestly encouraged me as I remembered Who I serve and how wonderful Jesus is. When I start to be too disheartened, my Father is faithful to gently lift my face to look at Him again. By the way, one of my favorite verses is Isaiah 30:15. “…in returning and rest shall you be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength…” During a difficult time many years ago, that verse seemed to give me permission to be still, to rest in the Lord. Maybe you can hang onto that verse when you feel like you are “spinning your wheels!” As for the book, I’m thrilled you like it. And it seems to me you just sent a written Thank You! 😉 May God give extra grace and peace day by day this year. Love you! -Carolyn