Too Much!

“Then the angel of the LORD came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” 1 Kings 19:7 NLT

“If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God, you’ll be at rest.” Corrie Ten Boom

Times when the journey is too much come to everyone. When my husband was terminally ill and losing memory, ability to walk and talk, it was too much. When the boss, customers and colleagues swarm, it’s too much. Never mind raising children from newborn to adulthood, there are times it’s too much. Watching the news. It’s waaay too much!

When my husband was in care and I was frazzled, running on empty, numb and praying was beyond my ability, some came to help my journey. The cafeteria staff at the care home brought me coffee or asked if I wanted some food. The caregivers were gentle with my husband and me. The hospice staff let me cry. They were gifts from God because the journey was too much for my husband and for me. Snippets of grace and care. Sometimes underappreciated until looking in the rearview mirror.

God does touch us when we’re going through too much. Sometimes we don’t notice. During a commute the right song or speaker touches your heart. A colleague helps even though it’s not “their job.” A warm embrace from your child or loved one. A cherished book reveals an unseen truth. Absence from social media is a definite rest. Bottom line: going in our own strength fails. Going in God’s strength we rest. He refreshes even when we don’t notice. He refreshes even when we’re still active.

We become the rest of God for someone too.

Musings

We can rest in God and let him minister to us amid the whirl, uncertainties, heartaches and burdens of life. Our souls rest. Our hearts rest. The body relaxes. Sleep refreshes. God validates and affirms the journey is too much for us.  Like the HALT acronym, we may be Hungry, Angry (Anxious), Lonely or tired. This is our cue to rest in him. Encouragement to care for ourselves too.

Prayer

Father,

Thank you for the gifts of sleep, food, companionship and rest. Thank you for refreshing times. They help us during our journey to you. Thank you for “ministering spirits” here and in your realm. We don’t journey alone. Help us to be mindful that the journey is too much without you and without others.

Amen