SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1330

“Give Him the Bucket”

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling… Be still and know that I am God. – Psalm 46:1-10

‘You look exhausted, you should get some rest.’  So, go the well-meaning and well-intentioned statements from your family and friends.  You try to make them understand but they cannot.  There is no one who can help and you feel overwhelmed, alone, and tired.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. – Matthew 11:28-30

There are people: children, spouse, parents, and others who depend upon you to be there for them. Failure is not an option.  You must continue to provide care, but you do not know where the strength to go on will come from.

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! – 1 Chronicles 16:11

Perhaps you are a business owner or executive trying to navigate treacherous economic waters to keep your business viable and able to continue to provide a living for your employees and their families.

Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. – Zechariah 4:6

You may be a single parent, juggling the demands of a full-time job, parenting, caregiving, and housekeeping.  The pressure to succeed and to provide non-stop overwhelms you.  Depression looms over you like a tidal wave.  Perhaps you are a married couple with young children and another on the way. The sudden realization of the awesome responsibilities to care and provide for others’ lives overwhelms you.

Water closed over my head; I said, ‘I am lost.’ “I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit; you heard my plea, ‘Do not close your ear to my cry for help!’ You came near when I called on you; you said, ‘Do not fear!’ – Lamentations 3:54-57

Can you relate to the feeling of being overwhelmed by the responsibilities of life?

It’s as if you are in a storm-tossed boat bailing water as fast as you can to stay afloat. It seems that no one is helping, even Jesus who is asleep in the bow. The boat is taking on water but will remain afloat only as long as you continue to bail.  The people who depend upon you will be alright as long as you keep the boat afloat.  You are trapped in a wearisome battle for survival, yours, and those for whom you are responsible.

And when he (Jesus) got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. – Matthew 8:23-24

If you are feeling overwhelmed, there is good news!  Jesus understands our weaknesses having experienced being overwhelmed Himself and He remains steadfastly ready to help us – if we will let Him.

Then he said to them, My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death… – Matthew 26:38 (NIV)

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses… – Hebrews 4:15

Recognize that Jesus has not abandoned you in your sinking boat.  Acknowledge His presence as He calls out to you to come and receive His rest.  It means that you will have to relax your tight-fisted grip on the bucket and relinquish control to Him.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

Come to the Lord and hand Him the bail bucket. Trust Him. He will not let the boat sink.

Jeremy Camp – Out of My Hands