Encouragement for the Overworked and Overwhelmed

My Beloved Child,

I see you looking at your to-do list. I see how it seems to grow longer and harder while the hours and days get shorter and fewer. I know it seems to go against everything you’re thinking right now, but just STOP for a second.

Just be still.

I am God (Psalm 46:10).

I always have been God. I always will be (Revelation 1:8). I do not change (Malachi 3:6) and I am enough for you. Yes, I want your service, but above all, I want your heart. So right now, just be still. Stop striving. Stop pushing yourself. Stop doing. Just simply be.

Be who I’ve created you to be, in My grace, which is powerful and effective (1 Corinthians 15:10). Come to me, bring all your weariness, your hurt, your pain, your confusion; bring it all and trade it in for some rest and some joy. I know it’s hard to believe sometimes, but it’s true: my burden is not heavy. Let me teach you this. Let me take the load (Matthew 11:28-30).

My grace is enough for you (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Let that sufficient GRACE drive your work, nothing else. Not duty or ambition. Not the expectations of coworkers, students, parents or even yourself. Not guilt or a sense of obligation. Let My grace and love for YOU ignite a deep passion in your heart for My work that allows you to not worry about what’s to come tomorrow, but just focus on the tasks before you today. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34).

So come and rest for a while and let me show you what the next step is. Not what the next week or month or year will bring, but just this next moment. And in it all remember that I will go with you and will give you rest (Exodus 33:14).

I love you. I always have and always will (Romans 8:38-39).

Live in that love today, my Child!

Always,
Your Faithful Father