For the Tired and Weary Soul

Have you ever felt overwhelmed, tired, and weary?

I've been there.

Yes. Me.
Smile and all.

Don't let the smile fool you into thinking otherwise, dear one.

In fact, would you allow me to chat a little with you?

Yes, you who rehearse in your mind all the inadequacies, failures, and mistakes that have plagued you through the years.

     If only I was good enough.
          If only I had not messed up.
               If only I had not misjudged.

Yes, you who nurse within your heart all the hurts, wounds, insults, jabs, epithets, and verbal injuries that have been hurled at you for far too long.

               I cannot believe my best friend betrayed me like that.
          I will never forget how insignificant he made me feel.
     I may let go of this wound when I am in the grave.

Yes, you who curse daily the blemishes, spots, and imperfections that stubbornly defy your fondest ideal of true physical beauty.

     I am too fat.
          I am too skinny.
               I am too dark.
                    I am too light.
                         I am too short.
                              I am too tall.

Yes, you who purse your lips in frustration, exasperation, and vexation every time your best laid plans are met with delays and detours.

                              I was supposed to get there two hours ago.
                         I cannot believe my luggage is missing.
                    I, of all people, am having to wait.

Yes, you who traverse obstacles, catastrophes, adversities, calamities, and tragedies as enormous as Mount Everest.

     I cannot pay my bills.
     I have had too many losses.
     I have run out of tears completely.
     I don't think I will be able to make it.

You must be tired, aren't you?
You have wearied yourself, haven't you?

Come, then, weary soul; rest awhile in the smile of the Prince of peace. The One who alone grants you fullness of joy in His presence is the One able to keep you from falling beneath the weight you have been carrying. He alone is qualified to steady your feet and encourage your heart so often plagued with flaws and sorrows. Only He is able to present you without fault and with great joy at the end of your lifelong journey.

So, focus your vision on the initiator and perfecter of your faith.
Cast all your anxieties and burdens upon Him.
Surrender your all to Him.
Take rest in Him.

And do not forget to partake of the daily mercies He has in store for you.

Also, I invite you to browse through this blog site and imbibe the "daily mercies" -- daily devotionals -- God has granted me to share with one and all.