How Ya Feeling?Sample

I'm Tired 

Psalm 23:1 says “The Lord is my shepherd, I have all that I need.” When we are exhausted and emotionally spent we need to lean into the truth of Scripture and realize that The Lord refreshes our soul (Psalm 23:3). We have everything we need to find rest from emotional exhaustion with Jesus as our shepherd.  We can’t refresh our own soul and give ourselves rest no matter how many vacation days we take. Only He provides the peace and rest we truly want and need. Scripture doesn’t say life will be easy, in John 16:33 Jesus says “…Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” It’s not about our situation changing, but rather, our perspective. We need to take our situation, however exhausting it is, and hand it to Him. Do you trust that He has overcome the world? Can you trust that He will give you the rest you need?

Psalm 23 reminds us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd of our heart. When anxiety attacks, He leads us to quiet waters (Psalm 23:2, 1 Peter 5:7). When the crushing weight of loneliness overwhelms, He walks with us through the darkest valleys (Psalm 23:4, Matthew 28:20). When anger at the injustice of our world takes root, His love and goodness are always with us (Psalm 23:6, John 16:33). The truth about Psalm 23, and all of scripture, is not that we won’t have emotions. The truth is that God will be with us through all of our feelings. Today, if you are feeling the weight of emotional exhaustion, take time to read through Psalm 23 and allow the Lord to refresh your soul in the green pastures and quiet waters of His presence and truth.  

Reflect and Discuss

1.  Do you believe that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who guides and provides rest?

2. What do you need to hand over to Jesus that you’ve been trying to take care of yourself?

Prayer 

God, Thank you for being the Good Shepherd who knows us, your sheep. Thank you for always being with me, for leading me to calm waters and walking with us through the deepest, darkest valleys. Give me the strength to hand you our most impossible situations and let you be the Shepherd I need in exhausting seasons. Help me to trust you with my biggest feelings and fears. Amen.