Today, I am burdened. Burdened for my brothers and sisters who are in the education field and are simply burnt out on all fronts. Burdened for my brothers and sisters in the medical field who are weary and discouraged. Burdened for my brothers and sisters in ministry who are tired and fed up. Burdened for my brothers in sisters all around the world who are struggling to find any purpose in this day. Burdened for my brothers and sisters all over the world who feel the daily strain of marriage and parenting. So I want to share 4 Biblical truths with you that have been healing to me. May you find ultimate rest, strength, perseverance, encouragement, and peace, in the only one who can offer it in any lasting way, Jesus.
1. Your identity is not in what you do, but who God says you are. (1 Peter 2:9-10, Ephesians 2:10, Romans 8:31-37)
For the follower of Jesus, this is one of the greatest hopes we can cling to. The world no long defines who we are, Christ does. The world no longer gets to dictate whether we can have joy or not, Christ does. Take heart in the promise that your performance has no bearing upon your identity in Christ.
2. The transformation of others is God’s job, not yours—Be faithful. (1 Samuel 16:7, 2 Corinthians 3:15-18, Philippians 2:12-13)
This is one of the most powerful lessons I have learned this last year, and I am praying you can find rest in it as well. No matter how hard you try, you will never be the agent of transformation in someone else’s life. God may use you in that process, but it is the work of God’s Spirit alone that will cause transformation in them. Our task is simply to be faithful in what we know God has called us to today. Speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 2:28). Loving our enemies (Matthew 5:44). Keep the commands of God (John 14:15). Do whatever you do as to the Lord and not to men (Colossians 3:23). So stop re-writing your job description. Be faithful.
3. You are not God, stop trying to control everything. (Philippians 4:4-9, Matthew 11:28-30)
Going back to the very first sin, mankind has grappled for control of the world around us. Yes, I know the first sin was disobedience to God’s commands, but the temptation that led to that sin was “You will be like God” (Genesis 3:5). At some point you are going to hit the end of your rope, recognizing that you cannot keep spinning every plate…that’s ok. Today, focus in on the responsibilities that God has given you and find peace and rest in the truth that He is in control of the rest.
4. You are a sinner who needs the grace of God in Christ every day (1 John 1:8-10, Romans 5:6-11, Ephesians 2:8-10)
You are not perfect. Stop trying to put on a face that says you are. So much of today’s anxiety is rooted in the facade that we have to be rocking the best life in all areas, while internally we are dying inside. When you make a mistake, own it, repent of wrong doing, recognize you are already forgiven in Christ, and then get back on mission. Does this mean that we become complacent in sin? “BY NO MEANS” (Romans 6:1-2). It also doesn’t mean that we continue on without reminding ourselves how utterly helpless we are apart from the saving work of God through Christ in our life.
(p.s. just use media less too, its not helping your anxiety)
Today, cling to Him, rest in Him, and be faithful to what He has called you too in Christ.
So wherever you find yourself this day, know that you are loved and appreciated. Know that you are not alone, no matter how much it feels like you are. More than anything, know that your worth will never be defined by this day or this week, or this year, your worth is defined in the eyes of your creator and nothing can change that. Today, cling to Him, rest in Him, and be faithful to what He has called you too in Christ.
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