Just As You Are

By: Sarah MacKinney

I just have to be honest. This past week has been very stressful. Between kids activities, working, keeping my home in order, ministry and relationships....I AM STRESSED! I feel worry creep in, I feel restlessness starting to reside in my heart and I am anything but at ease; I am anything but peaceful. Have any of you had the same week? Surely I am not alone. So often my daily responsibilities, the uncertainties of tomorrow and the stress of busy-ness piles up until I become tense and cranky. How often do I just give in to the stress and forget who is in control? How many times do I have a pity party instead of a prayer party? When will I realize that I don't have to do life on my own; that my amazing Creator is always available and always busy working on my behalf?

So as I sit and write this, in the midst of the craziness that is my life this week; I ask God to rescue me. I call out and ask Him to remind me that my future is in His hands, to remind me of His faithfulness, of His protection and provision. The words of a song float through my mind; "Breathe, just breathe; come and rest at my feet. And be, just be; chaos calls but all you really need is to just breathe." To anyone who can relate to my words, let me assure you; He is there. He see's you, He hears you and He longs to offer you rest. All we have to do is ask. Instead of thinking we can do all of this on our own, we have a constant cheerleader; a fortress where we can run for rest, strength and encouragement.

You don't have to have it all together before you approach Him. You can just come as you are. Grumpy, tired, stressed, overwhelmed, fearful and all the other emotions you feel. You don't have to put on your Prada dress and makeup before you call His name. In fact, I think He is kind of fond of mom sweats and unruly ponytails! We are told in Matthew 11:28, "Come to me all who are weary 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." So friends, let this be your reminder; you can come just as you are. You can just be you. It is just enough. I've had to remind myself several times this week of those exact truths. So let down your hair, give up your pride; admit you are tired and worried, tell Him all about it. And breathe, just breathe. Tomorrow is a new day with new mercies and new blessings. And He is already there.

Sarah