2:96 – On Again

#faithbites #faithjourney On

Today several old friends came into town for a conference. They asked us to meet them for reminiscing and just hanging out. My wife was excited about it, but for me, I really didn’t want to go. It’s not that I don’t love them, it’s the feeling that you have to be “on”. It’s like a performance. Let’s get our game face on and go out there. It’s exhausting. Now, don’t get me wrong, most of the time, I end up enjoying it, it’s just the getting there and wondering what is going to happen, who’s going to ask what, and how things are going to unfold.

I’ve felt this way in the past when I was sick from school for several days. It’s the getting back into the swing of it and wondering the same things. What happened when I was gone, what do I have to explain to people, how to I get back up to speed. It’s hard. Living with anxiety makes it worse.

How many of you feel that you have to be “on” all the time? At school, at work, with family, friends, church, where ever? You feel that while you want to go to these events, you must be “on” 24 x 7 and ready for whatever happens.

Faith and support from the Lord do help.

Scripture

• 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

Reflection

Feeling that you have to perform all the time is exhausting. Think of it as the energy you need to do daily tasks multiplied by at least two for putting on the armor and going. The Lord provides rest if we turn everything over to him. It’s not easy. I do want to turn everything over to the Lord and learn from him.

Don’t get me wrong, I love to hang out with people and do many things. It just takes a little more (or a lot more effort) to get up on stage and perform. I know that through faith and prayer, he will help me.

Charge

Are you exhausted? Are you having a hard time getting going to “perform”. Try to think of this as a chance to showcase the many gifts God has given you. When you are truly worthy, turn it over to God. Spend time in prayer, not through other distractions.

Prayer

Heavenly God, help me. Give me the strength to feel like myself and enjoy all the days you give me. Help us to know we can turn to you for strength when we are exhausted physically, mentally, and spiritually. Let us know that you made us in your image and we have the strength to concur all things. In your name, Amen.