NOVEMBER 2020
Don’t Give Up
I used to think that naptime was only for young kids. Now, I love a good nap even though I’ve found lately that even when I get enough sleep I still feel tired.
Did you know that your mind is capable of producing 50% more stress than your body can handle? When we experience trauma, stress hormones dull our pain and boost our energy so we respond quickly. Stress makes us alert and hyper-vigilant but over time it causes overload and fatigue.
2020 has created its share of trouble and weariness. Somebody encouraged me recently with this advice, “If you are weary, cut yourself some slack. Be good to yourself – get some rest.” Jesus invites us to this same place. He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).
Maybe you can find rest in this promise from Isaiah 4:29-31: He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
We are the kind of people who invite weary people – including ourselves – to find rest in Jesus that restores hope. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9).
We face challenges but don’t give up! Keep doing the good God calls you to do. And if you need a nap – that’s okay.
Kent Landhuis
Pastor of Teaching & Leadership
“Like cold water to a weary soul is good news.” ~ Proverbs 25:25
