This past week was been incredibly draining. My youngest child moved into college. I worked longer hours to make up for missed days of work for both college move-in day and for a minor surgery. Yes, the minor surgery, Friday morning felt like anything but minor. Between the lack of food in my system and the blood loss, my body is reeling. As I stay elevated and just sit on the sofa doing nothing during the “recovery period,” I am literally exhausted. Doing simple things like getting myself a drink or getting up off of the sofa sucks every bit of energy from my body. Physical exhaustion. Trying to make sense of the new normal of my daughter not being around in the morning when I wake, and the dogs missing her dearly brings about the emotional exhaustion. Looking at the mounting medical bills brings on mental exhaustion. All of the exhaustion in combination with the medication finds me zoning out and forgetting even what I was supposed to be doing (or not doing). I feel like I was hit by a truck.
Even with the exhaustion on all accounts, there is not this lack of desire for Jesus. Last night, I fell asleep with my devotion in hand. This morning, as I sit by a wine glass filled with ginger ale and a Tropicana Essentials Probiotic Drink — Pineapple and Mango, with a hint of Australia memories with each sip — I long to enjoy the presence of the Lord.
I will never proclaim to know you or to make any far casting judgments. Yet I know that this same desire and longing is in your heart too. God created you. He knows you more intimately than you, or even close friends, and family. Your heart will always have this pull toward Him. If you have decided to draw near to Him, to have a relationship with Him — to live in union with Him— then even when you are in moments of exhaustion, you will desire to be in His presence.
Despite feeling tired or worn-out or broken, your heart will sing and worship Him. Joyful songs will arise from your lips and your very soul. For even in the exhaustion that this life may bring, He is your source of life. Being in His presence you are able to enjoy the spring of life. How awesome?!? How wonderful is our Father!?!
Today, if you are exhausted like me, lean into Him. Listen to some praise and worship music and lift your hands and voice to Him. Enjoy the spring of life! If you haven’t yet been united to Jesus— if you haven’t taken that first step to acknowledge your desire and need for Him, today is a great day to make this amazing and life changing decision to do life with Jesus. If today is that day, let me know. This is a great day to celebrate!!
“Deep within me are these lovesick longings, desires and daydreams of living in union with you. When I’m near you my heart and my soul will sing and worship with my joyful songs of you, my true source and spring of life!” – Psalm 84:2b [TPT]
Tania Gutekunst 