by Mary Stout
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
Today I am totally exhausted. I am tired of the news on the coronavirus and the incessant fighting that happens in politics. I am tired of surprise cold weather that messes with my arthritis. I am tired of pollen counts so high I feel like my head will explode one day. I am tired of homeschooling and the kids are tired of me. I am tired of making sure doctor’s appointments are made and kept. I am tired of being home all the time. I am tired of job hunting and getting zero bites. Stress is a huge part of life right now. All of us feel stress at times, especially now. One day the news says one thing and the next another. Our mental selves are being thrust around like ping pong balls. Our bodies get tired from the weird weather, or life circumstances. Our spirits suffer, and our emotions fluctuate. We don’t know when this will completely end or what to think. It can be confusing. Here is the good news:
Jesus said you don’t have to do it alone. Allow Him to be your strength and portion. Allow Him to carry the load. Allow his love in. When you do that the days will get better and life will improve. It didn’t come to stay; it came to pass.
Three things you can do to alleviate the stress are:
- Breathe. Breathe slowly and deeply and let it out slowly. Concentrate on the way you breathe.
- Take five to ten minutes a day meditating. Listen to your intuition.
- Laugh every day. You would be surprised at how much it relieves stress.
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for being my strength. On the days we feel exhausted, help us find rest in your ways. Help me hold on even when I don’t feel like it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
