For context, are you emotionally, mentally, or physically tired? Maybe all three?
I know what it’s like to experience this, where the will to keep going is hard to come.
When your depressed, or angry, when lifes struggles seem to much to bear, remember this. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
There are people going through hard times everywhere, but as a community we can uplift each other, Bill Withers song “Lean on me”, truly come to life. You also ALWAYS HAVE GOD. Don’t forget that.
You all have been an inspiration for me, and a constant reminder of love and caring, understanding and acceptance, and I am here if you need me aswell.
If your burdens seem to heavy, rest.
If you have struggled or felt this way, or know anyone who has
speak your mind, ask for help.
That is so true and a nice invitation to anyone who has the need to talk about it. I’m in a good place right now although honestly, I’m physically tired. I think it must stem from my sleep, aka little sleep. But I’m not troubled by it and am doing fine.
Listening is a skill and not something that comes naturally to most. To be a good listener takes practice. That reminds me. I did a thing on active listening and maybe others here would like to read it. I’ll post it in a new topic.
To be overly poetic about it, cruel circumstances threw me to the bottom of a dry well. And before that, I dramatically threw myself there too. Getting out of such a darkness can be very difficult. The mind’s wounds leave scars.
On paper a believer in Christ should be content even in dire circumstances. But the apostle Paul had to be taught. It was a testing experience that led him to the place where there was overcoming strength in his wearying weaknesses. The Christless psychoanalysts may not have a page in their textbooks for that one!
If you draw a Venn diagram of God’s agenda for His glory, and His plans for our good, the area of overlap will jump out at you. Feasting is mentioned 7 times as often as fasting, for example. The default setting for maximum happiness in this fallen, but redeemed world, includes thriving in our vocations, Christian marriage, and happy, faithful children to carry on the family trade after we’ve served our own generation by the counsel of God.
There are exceptions that TEST the rule (earlier meaning of verb “to prove”), but they make headlines BECAUSE they are departures from the norm, the standard, the default setting. In this fallen world, a certain ration of tests and trials falls into every life. We face these with resolute faith, courage, and humor. “Away with the atheists,” shouts Polycarp – while pointing to the spectators amassed in the bleachers for the show.
As the Vulgate put it,
Mat 11:30 iugum enim meum suave est et onus meum leve est
Our Lord’s yoke is SUAVE. Which means – well-fitted. Appropriate. And even a bit stylish. Looks good on us, and is the key to a beautiful life.
The times of greatest joy in life usually coincide with a structure of responsibility and opportunity.
suav.e ADJ 3 2 NOM S N POS
suav.e ADJ 3 2 VOC S N POS
suav.e ADJ 3 2 ABL S X POS
suav.e ADJ 3 2 ACC S N POS
suavis, suave, suavior -or -us, suavissimus -a -um ADJ [XXXDX] lesser
agreeable, pleasant, gratifying, sweet; charming, attractive;
Easy (χρηστὸς)
Not a satisfactory rendering. Christ’s yoke is not easy in the ordinary sense of that word. The word means originally, good, serviceable. The kindred noun, χρηστότης, occurring only in Paul’s writings, is rendered kindness in 2Co_6:6; Tit_3:4; Gal_5:22; Eph_2:7 (Rev.), and goodness, Rom_2:4 (Rev.). At Luk_5:39, it is used of old wine, where the true reading, instead of better, is good (χρηστός), mellowed with age. Plato (“Republic,” 424) applies the word to education.
“Good nurture and education (τροφὴ γὰρ καὶ παίδευσις χρηστὴ) implant good (ἀγαθὰς) constitutions; and these good (χρησταὶ) constitutions improve more and more;” thus evidently using χρηστός and ἀγαθός as synonymous. The three meanings combine in the word, though it is impossible to find an English word which combines them all. Christ’s yoke is wholesome, serviceable, kindly. “Christ’s yoke is like feathers to a bird; not loads, but helps to motion” (Jeremy Taylor).