When I get overwhelmed, I retreat.

When there is so much going on in life, without realizing it in the moment, when I’m really overwhelmed, I retreat within myself. And honestly lately, I’ve been in that mode. It’s taken me so long to physically recover from my amazing trip to LA in July and then recover from having 10 episodes in two weeks, and then getting some disappointing news from my doctor…it just feels like it has been one thing after another. And honestly? My body and my spirit have just been tired with not much to pour out and not much to say. Do you relate to that in any way today?

I’ve sat multiple times in front of my computer to type out a devotion for you and the words that keep coming to my heart are that I have no idea what to say. I have no idea what to pour out. And then when I am ready to pour, what does it look like? Is it aesthetically pleasing? Is there a filter, enough words, trending hashtags, is it perfect enough to “stop the scroll”? - social media can be exhausting.

But as I pondered these things, it dawned on me that I’m trying to speak and pour from a place within myself that’s still healing and still recovering instead of accessing all the power of heaven that is within me and behind me.

And it got me thinking about how often we are trying to pour from exhausted and dry places instead of running to the source of Life. This made me realize that while pouring out to others is okay, pouring out is based on my efforts. The filling up and the overflow is all Him. It’s not something we can do on our own. And sometimes, especially in the most difficult seasons, we need to sit beneath the faucet of His presence a little longer and keep coming back over and over again.

So if you’re exhausted and overwhelmed today trying to pour from an empty and overwhelmed cup, I just want to invite you to come sit at the feet of Jesus with me. To intentionally be with Him and rest. To be renewed in the presence of Jesus.

• From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Psalm 61:2-3, ESV
• You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Psalm 23:5, ESV
• On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. John 7:37, ESV
• For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. Isaiah 44:3, ESV

Hey, sis. I just want you to be able to rest this week in knowing you are not alone. You are not alone in your overwhelm. We can rest knowing that this season may be extremely difficult, but He promises that He will give us everything we need. All we need to do is come. 

• When you feel really overwhelmed do you also retreat? If so, why do you think that is?
• What is one specific thing right now that is burdening your heart that you need to talk to Jesus about? (I promise that He cares, even about the seemingly small things).
• Realizing that pouring is based on our own efforts and the filling and overflow is based on Him, how does that make you feel?
• Listen to Give Me Jesus by Upper Room  (You can also listen to it here on our Spotify Weekend Rest + Reflect playlist.)

My dear sweet Jesus, 

I know that right now, things in the world and in my life feel messy, overwhelming, and sometimes absolutely crushing. But in the middle of my overwhelm and in the middle of my weakness, you invite me to come and sit with you for a while and be filled, be restored, and be made new all over again in your presence. So Lord, I come. I come and I ask that you fill up the empty places of my Spirit. Bring streams, rivers, and - if I may be so bold - bring oceans to the desert places of my heart. Come do what only you can do in my heart. Thank you for the way you love me. Thank you for the way you never leave me. 

I love you oh Lord my Strength. I love you, my Rock that is Higher than I. 

Amen.