“I run my life…or is it running me?”

– Lady Antebellum

As I was listening while wiping down the counter-tops, the words stopped me dead in my tracks and forced me to answer – who runs my life?  Is it me?  I don’t want the answer to be “yes” but lately the answer is…yes.  I’ve been running my life.

But really… it’s been running me.

On good days in which the focus is clear and my eyes are on the cross, I’m actually not running my life – He is.  As it should be.

On not-so-good days?  I run it.  And it doesn’t work out so well.

I’ve been burning the proverbial candle at both ends for weeks now and the exhaustion, the lack of inspiration, and the frustration is seeping into my being.  One negative emotion breeds another and without warning, they have slowly begun to take me hostage.

Before we even know it, we go further than we had ever planned to go and we discover those unwelcome guests have seeped into our marrow and, God forbid, our hearts.

Today our pastor shared a riveting sermon in which I was certain he might have written just for me though I’m not such a narcissist I believe it to be true.  I’m pretty sure I’m in good company with the struggles I’m facing – the weary.  The weak.  The burdened.  Those in need of rest.

Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:28-31

Eagles.  Of course, we think of them as a symbol of strength but in actuality, they are somewhat weak and can’t even ascend into the atmosphere without a “thermal”, or a warm patch of air that allows birds to soar.

These thermals can allow them to fly up to 300 to 400 feet without flapping their wings.  Even once.

And what about those birds who flap their wings too much?  They eventually tire out and need rest.

I’ve been flapping my wings at double-speed and I’m in need of much rest.  I need a “thermal” to help me glide.

That “thermal” is Him.

The thirst is overwhelming, the hunger piercing.

“If you look to the Lord, He’ll exchange your limited abilities with His unlimited strength,” our pastor shared. (Click here for sermon)

He will not grow tired or weary.  He will renew our strength.  We will soar on the wings of eagles, run and not grow weary, walk and not be faint.

He will provide the thermals, the jets of air that force us up higher, that allow us to simply glide, to travel farther and not grow weary.

I started this blog as platform for a fire I can’t squelch, a need as critical to my survival as water and food.  I simply can’t not write.

But I also know when I need a period of rest.  I share this with you only because when we are weary, tired, unfocused and blind of the cross, we must stop all else and “get right with God.”

To keep writing through this exhaustion would make me feel like a phony, like I’m not being straight and real with you and oh, how I would never wish that to be true.

Let’s rest, friends, shall we?  Take the time you would normally allot to read my words (and oh how I’m so very humbled that you do) and read the best of words instead.

Get in His word and out of mine – I’ll be doing the same.

I’ll see you next week, beloveds.

“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

I’m linking with Jen from Finding Heaven for the Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood…

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This