First…Congratulations Barbara Grant! You are the lucky winner of the book giveaway!!
My laptop was stolen. My car got recalled. My cell phone crashed. My email stopped sending.
All in the same week.
Of course, all these inconveniences are nothing compared to the heartbreak going on in our world right now.
The world’s problems. Our problems. Our kid’s problems. Our country’s problems.
Whew! It’s. A. Lot.
The week’s events left me tired. Bone tired. And my circumstances weren’t even life-altering ones; just daily inconveniences that happened to occur in rapid-fire succession.
I’m guessing your life isn’t much different from mine. You have your share of inconveniences, responsibilities and stress that leave you emotionally exhausted, too.
Maybe you’ve even had to deal with some real heartbreak or devastation.
You may feel like someone has stolen more than your computer–they’ve stolen your joy.
Perhaps you feel like your sense of worth has been recalled.
Or maybe your heart lays broken, unable to function like it once did.
You may even wonder if your prayers are getting through, or if they’re perpetually stuck in your drafts file, unable to send.
What do we do when we are just plain emotionally and spiritually tired?
The good news is there is a fix. It’s not always quick or easy, but it is always sure.
“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.”
– Jesus (Matthew 11:28)–
In essence, Jesus says, “Are you tired? Exhausted? Do you feel like you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders? If so, come to me because I care and I can help.”
Jesus came to carry the weight of our sin on his shoulders. But, Jesus also carries the weight of our worries, our burdens, and our heartaches.
If we’ll let him, Jesus carries us.
Going to Jesus is the way we take care of our souls. And, let me remind you of something you already know: when life comes at us fast and furious and messy, our souls need tender loving care.
So do our bodies and our minds, by the way.
Recently, more than just a few women have told me how overwhelmed they feel. I get it.
But here’s what I don’t get: these very same women refuse to take time to care for their souls.
Do you want to know why my car was recalled? (Stay with me. I’m going somewhere with this). An airbag problem. If exposed to extreme temperatures or sudden impact, my airbag could randomly explode with unusual force, causing injury or death.
Do you know what happens to a woman whose weary burdened soul isn’t properly maintained? If exposed to extreme temperatures or sudden impact she could randomly explode.
With unusual force.
You know exactly what I’m talking about.
Maybe you need to be recalled. Or more accurately, maybe you need a recall-ing.
A recalling of who you are. Of who God is. Of what life is really all about.
Here’s what I’ve learned: Half of our emotional and spiritual exhaustion comes from our efforts to control things we can’t, and the other half comes from failing to control the one thing we can: a well-cared-for soul.
I speak from personal experience.
So, if you find yourself emotionally or spiritually exhausted, and your soul could use a little tender care, try one of these suggestions:
- Take 5 minutes to read a Bible passage (suggestions Jeremiah 29:11, Matthew 6:26, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Peter 5:5-7, Philippians 3:12-14.) Personalize each one by putting your name at the beginning. Reflect on how God speaks intimately to you.
- Spend 2 minutes doing nothing but thanking God for His presence in your life, His gifts in your life, and His purpose for your life.
- Go on a walk. Listen to praise music, sermon, or podcast (like mine–That’s Just What I Needed).
- Go to a park, beach, or space that feeds your soul. Grab a journal and pen (any piece of paper or even a napkin will do!) and write out your prayers.
- Take a nap (Jesus did!)
- Take a break (even 24 hours) from social media or news.
- Find someone older, wiser or further along in her spiritual journey and ask for her best advice.
I know you feel the weight of all that’s happening around you.
Jesus knows, too.
That’s why he said, “Come to Me.” When we do, we find rest for our souls.
You are loved,
Donna
P.S. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to my new podcast, “That’s Just What I Needed”, please do. You’ll find encouragement, wisdom and insight from my nationally-known guests (and sometimes, little ‘ole me). It’s a great way to care for your soul. Listen while you drive, do housework, walk, etc. You can find it anywhere you listen to podcasts (Apple, Google, Spotify, Podchaser, and more!)
P.S.S. If you don’t already follow me on Instagram, hang out with me there, too! @donnaajones.
