In need of some soul refreshment

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  –Psalm 73:26 (NIV)
 
I’m a long way from home and I’m already tired. Have you ever felt that way? We all have seasons when we’re called upon to do something extraordinary, something that will demand more of us than we think we can give, something we’re not sure how to do and not sure we can do it. That’s when the anxiety closes in. Things feel overwhelming and we just want it to all be over.
 
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.  –Psalm 23:1-3a (NIV)
 
But these are the moments we were made for. Paul told the Corinthians they wouldn't be tempted beyond what they could bear. I believe that promise holds for all believers. But I also believe that God calls us to assignments that are well beyond our capabilities for the purpose of reminding us of our need for Him. This isn’t cruelty on His part, but an invitation to draw near.
 
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  –Psalm 23:3b-4 (NIV)
 
Read through the Bible. You’ll see a lot of weary people. Some rely on their own strength and fail miserably. But the ones we love pause, take a breath, remind themselves of God’s presence and care, and keep moving. That doesn’t mean hard things become easy, but it does mean impossible things become possible. Occasionally, the path ahead opens up and answers are obvious. More often, travelers are only shown the next right step.
 
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  –Psalm 23:5 (NIV)
 
So it is for us. The road ahead is uncertain, but we have a faithful guide who has been this way before. We can keep following and trust Him to lead us home, or desperately try and make our own way. I’ll give myself permission to stop for a moment to regroup, maybe even cry a bit, but I’m resolved not to quit until I’m home. If you see me, nod and wave. Because it’s a road we all travel eventually.
 
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  –Psalm 23:6 (NIV)