As we drove home from a weekend away in the mountains, I felt a heavy sense of dread and sadness. Laying my head back on my seat, I told my husband, JJ, “I don’t want to go home.”
The stress and strain of countless commitments at home and at work were taking a toll on me. If only I could return to that little mountain town where no one knew me or needed me.
J.J. asked some clarifying questions, and then suggested I make a list of everything on my plate so I could ask God what needed to be cut back. At first I resented the fact that he had just added one more thing “to do” on my already-overwhelming-list of things I’d never get done. But I knew he was right.
Later that week I wrote out all my commitments and concerns, along with a list of deadlines and dates on my calendar, including every appointment, event, conference-call, and meeting I could think of for the next six months.
And I prayed: Please, God, show me where I need to make changes.
I assumed the Holy Spirit would suggest big adjustments in my schedule, but that’s not what happened. God didn’t tell me to make cutbacks at work or in ministry. He didn’t show me our family had too many activities. He didn’t challenge me to take a sabbatical, although I was hoping He would.
Jesus showed me it was worry, not my workload, that was making me weary.
You see, during the weeks leading up to my “meltdown,” I let my thoughts dwell on the possible negative outcome of several different circumstances and decisions, all at the same time. And without realizing it, I had spent as much time thinking and worrying about concerns, commitments, circumstances, and deadlines as I did working on them.
It was not only how I spent my time, but how I spent my thoughts that left me depleted.
It wasn’t until I brought it all to God, and wrote it all out, that I recognized what was happening.
Instead of escaping to the mountains where no one knows us or needs us, Jesus invites us to come to Him so He can give us:
Rest for our weary hearts and minds.
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2)
Freedom from the captivity of our concerns.
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the LORD, ‘and will bring you back from captivity.” (Jeremiah 29:12-14a)
Are there are worries that are making you weary? Do you hear Jesus gently inviting you to come to Him, seeking and trusting Him? No matter what, remember this sweet friend:
God’s heart is big enough to care and strong enough to carry all that concerns you.
Can I pray for us both? Lord, when concerns consume us, help us remember You are there inviting us to come to You and talk about all of it. Everything that’s weighing us down. Show us if it’s our commitments or concerns, our worries or our workload, and help us trust You more with both. Amen.
Leave a Comment
Jas says
Thank you I didn’t know I needed to hear this but as I was reading your post I now know I do! Taking my worries to God right now as I turn in for the night. Goodnight from New Zealand x
Derek and Patricia Willans says
Thank you. Lots of concerns consuming us at the moment – and this has helped me realise
I need to bring them to the Lord more fully, and perhaps pray a little differently.
Renee Swope says
Praying for you as you cast your cares to HIM!!
Renee Swope says
I completely understand, Jas. Concern has such a subtle way of quietly slipping into our thoughts and then, layer upon layer, we started to worry and don’t even know it’s happening.
Praying for you as you lay it all before Him and let Jesus carry you and all that concerns you.
Michele Morin says
I catch myself sometimes even “worrying” my prayers. Thank you for this step-by-step description of releasing the details of our days and schedules into God’s governance.
Blessings!
Renee Swope says
I loved reading your words Michele. I hadn’t really thought of it as a step-by-step process but now that you described it that way, I do. And I”m going to use it as such this week. 🙂
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Renee,
I tend to look at my schedule all at once with a deer caught in the headlights approach. I not only look at today’s tasks, but I look at tasks awaiting me 3 weeks down the road and no wonder I get overwhelmed. God offers me grace for today and today only. He won’t give me grace today for what I’m worrying about 3 weeks down the road. I have to trust that 3 weeks from now, He’ll give me grace for that day, just like He gave me grace for this day. Same thing with the manna from heaven. Just enough for today….no saving up to satisfy tomorrow. All of this is easier said than done, but that’s when I look back over the times I thought I’d never get through….and guess what? God made a way…one day at a time. Great reminder as I’m sitting here thinking of what all needs to get accomplished. Joining with you in NOT making worrying one more things on my list I need to do!!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Renee Swope says
Amen, Bev. Amen.
Doris Swift says
Thank you, Renee. This is exactly what I needed today. That very thought crossed my mind just yesterday, what if I could just run away? My daughter’s family will be visiting Asheville to see the Biltmore all dressed in Christmas splendor. So tempted to go! The mountains are calling, but I know God does not have that trip on my agenda. He has more planned for me than I could ask or imagine. Blessings to you and thank you, dear friend.
Renee Swope says
Hi Doris. Praying you can plan a little get away soon, just to let your soul breathe. 🙂
Ashley Fields says
Definitely needed this in this season, especially with regards to my job. Thank you!
Renee Swope says
Praying for you and your job right now Ashley. Praying that God gives you peace, clarity and calm as you entrust your concerns to Him, and do what you can while trusting Jesus with it all.
Stephanie says
Needed this today! Always amazes me that God blesses us with what we need in His perfect timing! Thank you for sharing! God bless you ❤️
Renee Swope says
I’m so glad it was just what you needed, and God timed it so personally for you Stephanie.
Mary E says
Wow! Perfect timing. I’m ashamed to admit that I get so stressed this time of year that the joy that should be uncontainable is buried deep under a mountain of worthless fret. I can easily let the concern of “how do I get it all done” totally immobilize me. I long to “run away” to where I have no choice but to set those tasks and concerns out of mind because they cannot possibly be dealt with from that distant locale. And guilty too, Michelle, of “worrying my prayers.”
Thank you all for being here daily.
Renee Swope says
Lord, I pray You would calm Mary’s anxious thoughts and melt her worries away with the assurance of your peace. Remind her that You are with her, and want to carry her burdens for her. In Jesus Name, amen.
Penny says
Renee,
Thank-you for your post and your prayer, they were very thoughtful.
I’d like to pray the sane for all of you too.
Blessings to all,
Penny
Renee Swope says
Thank you Penny!!!
Bethany says
This – “Jesus showed me it was worry, not my workload, that was making me weary.” I can’t even begin to tell you how much I needed to read this today. Thank you! God’s timing was PERFECT!
Renee Swope says
Hi there. So good to see your pretty smile, Bethany. The day Jesus showed me it was worry, not my workload, was HUGE for me too. Glad it’s just what you needed. 🙂
Susan Shipe says
Renee, I heard Darrin Whitehead (Chris Tomlin’s pastor) say, “I don’t worry, I worship.” I’ve been trying to do that and it works. God bless you as you work through these hard things. xo
Renee Swope says
I love how we can take our worries, and turn them into worship by focusing on all that God can do, instead of all we think we need to do. It’s a powerful perspective change, isn’t it??
Beth says
Perfect. It’s the worry that gets me every time as well. Thanks for sharing your heart. XOXO
Darlene says
What a wonderful devotion, God knows just what we need to hear! He is so awesome that way! Thank you so much for sharing! Our God is bigger than our worries.
Renee Swope says
Worry is such a sneaky snare, isn’t it? Praying for us both Beth. 🙂
Diane says
Thank you and God for the wisdommy heart so needed to hear. Added toy list of what I am grateful for, sister. Blessings in your life Anand in our busy day that glorifies God
Renee Swope says
Praying for you tonight Diane.
Jane says
Thank you so much! I have been worrying for mo thx about time management and changes I need to make both personally and in my work. Your gentle post has helped me to see how I simply bring God with me in my worry, rather than me going to Him to talk about everything. A very timely post during this waiting time of year.
Sarah Beckman says
“Jesus showed me it was worry, not my workload, that was making me weary.” WOWZA. What a truth bomb. Thanks Renee for bringing me back to the heart of the matter. Appreciate these words today so much.
Pearl Allard says
Sarah expressed my thoughts, beautifully . Renee, wow. Needed that. Need that. Will need that tomorrow! So glad I took a break from working to help me take a break from worrying, too. Blessings!
Renee Swope says
I’m so glad it helped you both as much as it helped me. 🙂 Thanks for your encouragement!! And here’s to less worry, lighter workloads and a life of trust-filled worship.
Brenda says
Such truth. I think I do this too, but didn’t recognize it as such. Hmm. Thanks for sharing, Renee. ((hug))
Jean Lum says
Oh yes…this is a perfect devotional for so many of us, particularly we women. Thank you so much!
Yet, may I lovingly offer the vital importance of rest and renewal. Experiencing the same life filled with wasted worry, a number of years ago when I was a mom, wife, working woman and trying to do God’s service, I also got clarity about the value of rest for our life and our soul. Even our Lord Jesus Christ retreated for God’s renewal. So, as we faithfully walk His guided path and turn our concerns over to Him, please also remember….it’s really okay to rest as well. Hugs to you all.
Jayne McLeod says
Thank you so very much for sharing this wee devotional time with me. I appreciate your reminder about worry, it has brought much needed wisdom into my heart today. Enjoy the SONshine, Jayne (Canada)
Kathy Cheek, Devotions from the Heart says
Sometimes we are our own worst enemy, which is what happens when we let worry consume us. Been there, done that, but learning the same lesson you are sharing today, and it is so important!
Beth M Negrey says
That it’s not just how I spend my time but how I spend my thoughts…. Wow — did I ever need to hear this. And that was a really helpful idea your husband had. It does help to see things written down. Like a custom-made prayer list. It makes me think of a metal sign I found a few weeks ago that reads “Don’t Count Sheep; Talk to the Shepherd.” Amen <3
Beth Williams says
Renee,
Worry does consume us-especially women. We think we can do it all-juggling work, ministry & home. We can if we allow Christ’s strength to help us. First we need to pray about our schedules & go at them one day at a time. Don’t look 2-3 days or even week down the road. Just focus on today.
My biggest concern right now is n=my in-laws. They were both in the hospital Thanksgiving week. Father-in-law went home Thanksgiving day. Mom-in-law had heart cath last Saturday & now is in rehab-also getting high dose antibiotics for UTI. They are both in the mid-late 80s & have a myriad of health issues including prostate cancer. I want to be available to help them out as much as possible.
Blessings 🙂
Rebecca L Jones says
Worry making you weary, very possible, even though I’ve been working on resting in Him.
Renee Swope says
Me too!!
Marne says
Thank you for the timely post! So needed this reminder. Lots of big life changes ahead and all i can do is worry and have been so weary.
I need to trust God and His plan and that he will work out the details.
Renee Swope says
Praying for you Marne as I read your words here, and feel the weight of all you’re carrying. He’s there, waiting to hold it all for you. xoxo
Ann says
Amen! thanks for this … Throwing my concerns at Him.
Theresa says
How timely. Your post is exactly what I needed. God is faithful!
Kim B Smith says
Renee, Yes as a society we weigh ourselves down with a never-ending to-do task list where overwhelm and stress resides. What a beautiful eye-opening experience of your post that isn’t the”list” but the worry that magnifies all. Turning to Jesus to hand over so we can worship instead of worrying ourselves to the ground.
Devine timing for your post.
Renee Swope says
Yes, and amen. We can worship instead of worrying ourselves into the ground. Praying this one sits with us all throughout this month of Christmas.
Kim B Smith says
And into the New Year! 🙂
Saira Joseph says
My concerns and worries have nothing to do with schedules or commitments but your message and the verses were still so timely. Thank you for the reminder to cast my cares/concerns on Him. He has not failed me up to now and that’s what I hold on to.
Christie says
Thank you, Renee! God’s peace to you.
Katie Pezzutto says
Very well articulated Renee! Thank you for your insight.
Melanie says
Wow, just what I needed today! I have lightened my workload recently and find myself with enough free time to feel like my life *should* be less heavy, but it hasn’t been yet. Of course, in typical mom fashion, that has led to more guilt–you know the drill, if I have enough time to read a book or take a bath or visit a museum, why do I always feel like I don’t have enough time for anything? It’s a vicious cycle. I never considered that it was my thoughts rather than my actions that are making me weary.
Renee Swope says
Oh Melanie, I so get it. From one guilt-trip frequent flyer, I pray you could give yourself grace sweet friend. Grace to enjoy the peace that comes with margin, and the rest (or bubble baths) that are so good for your soul. THEN, you will be able to pour your very best self into your family. PS. Jesus loves taking care of you!!
Crystal L Caudill says
For some reason this ended up in my inbox today after honestly years of not having anything from you show up, but it was God’s timing and gentle reminder. I have several worries and concerns that have consistently plaguing me. 1. My grandma is in hospice on the other side of the country and my mom can only be there for the month of December. So I have been praying she would pass while Mom is out there. 2. God has presented me with a publishing journey and I have been very anxious about following those steps and waiting patiently for His guidance and steps. Thank you for the prayers. God has used your words to give at least a moment of peace. Now to not just grab those concerns back. God bless.
Renee Swope says
Hi Crystal, I love that Jesus made sure my email made it into your inbox. I am praying for you, and have been since Dec 6th when I read your comment on my phone (but couldn’t respond) I”m praying that you would feel God’s nearness, that His strength and comfort would be your guide and that His peace would surpass your understanding as you trust and rest in Him.
Beth Gohra says
I seem to have lost my way with the Lord and cannot hear His voice maybe because my focus has been too much on my failing marriage. We are lacking communication n closeness that that’s all I seem to be constantly aware of and not sure what to do. God help me to give my husband and marriage to You… so that I can just focus on my relationship with You and let You take care of Him as You see best.
Sophia says
Beth I can relate to your situation as I’m going through the same thing. I have been focusing on all the negative things that my husband is doing and pulled away from God. I have been so unhappy and I realise that when things are not good witj my husband, I lose focus in all areas of my life. A wise friend told me that I should act the opposite to what my husband has come to expect, so instead of arguing don’t respond if he says something that I don’t like. She also told me to pour out my heart to the Lord and since yesterday, I’m trying to pray at different times in the day and it’s making me feel better. Trust God with your problems and draw close to him. Only God can make a difference.
Renee Swope says
I am praying for you right now Beth, and have been since I read your note on December 6th on my phone. You may feel lost, but God has found you. He is near. He sees you. He knows you. He loves you and accepts you just as you are, right where you are. He cares about your marriage. Praying a peace that surpasses your understanding wraps around your heart as you trust in Him and lean into His warm, safe, strong embrace. In Jesus name amen.
Sophia says
I have been worrying a lot about moving house and it was causing me to get anxious and getting agitated with my husband. I could only see negative things such as a longer journey each day for the school run and being in traffic. This evening my husband took me on the journey from the school to the new house and then back home. Yes there was traffic but praise God we had a safe journey. Please pray for me to surrender my cares to the Lord and embrace change and a new season. Thank you.
Renee Swope says
I just prayed for you tonight Sophia! I am so glad your husband had the gentle insight to have you take you for that journey so you could see what this new path will look like and experience God’s peace in it. Sometimes the not-knowing is the hardest part. May HE kindly lead you as you make this transition.