“Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis.” Matthew 11: 28 TPT
Recently, I’ve graduated college and began a new season of life called, YOUNG ADULTHOOD! Eww, what is that? I have been a student for 16 years. Tests, quizzes, papers, homework, projects, and studying was all I knew. I didn’t know what life was like other than being a student. Now, I have real bills, work, and meetings, a lot of meetings. Can I go back to being a student, but minus the work?
I currently have three jobs- campus missionary intern at my local church, part-time at Old Navy, and teaching at a dance studio. At first, I was excited about the new opportunities and positions God allowed me to walk into. However, it didn’t take very long for burnout to catch up with me. My life began to feel dry, joyless, and I began to question and doubt the season I knew God called me to.
I had to make the decision to lay some things down at Jesus’ feet. After examining my life, praying, and receiving input from my community, I decided to leave Old Navy so that I could focus more on the things God wanted me to do. I had to trust that God is my provider and that I don’t have to work myself to death.
You might be looking at your life and the responsibilities you have and think that you have to muscle up the strength to do everything yourself. That is a lie. Jesus calls us to COME to Him when we are weary, tired, stressed and overwhelmed with the burdens of life. Jesus says He is our oasis. An oasis is a fertile spot in the desert, where water is found. It can also be called a place of shelter, a spring, a well or a fountain. Jesus is our water source when we feel like our life and souls are dehydrated.
There is hope in Jesus Christ because He is the well that will never run dry. He gives us fulfillment and joy. He refills, refreshes, and rejuvenates our souls.
Jesus sees you; He loves you and He cares about you deeply. You are His child, and He wants to help you. You don’t have to walk around carrying fatigue, anxiety, depression, laziness, fear, insecurities, perfectionism, pride, lust, bitterness, anger, discontentment, expectation, or performance.
We weren’t meant to carry a heavy load. Lay it at His feet! Jesus says in Matthew 11: 29-30, “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Jesus gives us a hope to hold onto because He promises us that we will find rest if we come to Him. Not, we might. We will.
Will you run to Jesus to give your soul rest? Will you trust Him with your life? Or will you continue to hold onto your burdens and try to power your way through life without Him?
PRAYER
Father, I am tired and overwhelmed. I don’t know how to be still and get in your presence. Help me to get close to You. Thank you for being a place of safety and shelter. Please help me to slow down long enough to lay all my burdens on You. Show me how to rest in You. Comfort me in the midst of my hectic schedule and in my difficult emotions. I need Your help. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Written By: Ashawrie J. White
