If it wears you out, you might be trying to get too much out of it.
These words formed themselves into a complete sentence and a pregnant thought last week, as I wrestled with weariness. There are many forms of tired, aren't there? There's tired from comforting a waking toddler multiple times a night, there's tired from putting in extra hours on home projects, there's tired from studying late into the night, there's tired from strain at work and strain on relationships, and there's the tired of being 33 weeks pregnant. But there's also the weariness that comes from trying to get life out of something that was never meant to give you life; the exhaustion of chasing after anything other than God himself.
You might not easily think of yourself as an idolator; I don't. I don't worship a false god, an inanimate object, and really, I've even moved past putting my hope in possessions and belongings. Sometimes I can really convince myself that I am not so idolatrous.
But then I consider this:
For Those Of Us Who Wear Ourselves Out | gracelaced.com
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
-Matthew 11:28-30
And it doesn't feel light sometimes. Why?
Perhaps it is for you as it is for me: Sometimes I'm weary because I'm an idolator.
Some areas we may be looking to for fulfillment:
- a perfect routine
- social circles on the internet
- being informed on a topic
- expressing creativity
- not letting others down
- making friends
- eating right and staying healthy
- a clean house
- disciplined children
If it wears you out, you might be trying to get too much out of it.
These are some things that come to my mind when I look at my own life. While none of these are ignoble pursuits, the striving to find satisfaction or life from any of them leaves me tired, spent, and weighted down with a burden I was never meant to carry.
The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods.
-Psalm 16:4
We are tired, and we think we need more sleep.
We're burnt out, and we think we need a vacation.
We're depressed, and we think we're hopeless.
Instead, the Lord grants us sleep and true REST in Christ's work on the cross. Instead, the Lord gives us a reprieve and renewal through the promises of His Word. Instead, the Lord offers us joy and hope in His faithfulness.
Friend, do you feel the way Jesus described Martha in Luke 10, vexed and working herself silly to find fulfillment in her diligence and duties...
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
-Luke 10:41-42
You see, not even wonderful service to our Lord gives LIFE unless it is Him we seek first. We are all idol-factories, skilled at wringing out any thing, any opportunity, any relationship..in hopes of experiencing satisfaction and life. Only Jesus was meant to be "the Way, the Truth, the Life." (John 14:6)
Let us, once again, put off the deceptive promises of unworthy idols, empty pursuits, and self-centered means of satisfaction...and look to He who "came that [we] may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10)
Take heart, receive rest, and live abundantly today, friends!