Whew, this has been a YEAR, and it’s not even over yet.
Maybe you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or frustrated? Maybe you feel stuck in the midst of unpredictability? If so, I pray that my posts over the next few weeks will encourage you! Each post will be focused on ONE scripture, a few of my thoughts & practical ways to apply it.
Lord, please use the following words to speak directly to my sister/brother who is reading this post today.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.“
Galatians 6:9 | KJV
This pandemic has NOT removed any of my responsibilities. I am still a full-time student, a part-time blogger & an emerging entrepreneur. There are days that I “cant even.” Sometimes, I don’t feel like studying, writing, or working. Add to that my existence as a Black Christian in the midst of racial tension…can you say EXHAUSTING. It is soooo clear to me that I cannot endure on my strength alone.
Everyday I tell God (and remind myself) “I know that I can do absolutely nothing without you. I can’t even make it through this day. I can’t get through my to do list, I can’t remember this information, I can’t have joy or peace or hope without you Lord. Father, give me the endurance, give me the peace, the clarity and the HOLY FOCUS that I need to walk in your purpose for me today.”
Then, I take it one day at a time, one task at a time; reminding myself that even the small things make an impact. Even the seemingly insignificant actions have significance. The Bible tells us that God IS concerned with the details of our life. So don’t get weary in well-doing. Instead, be diligent and consistent. You SHALL reap, if you faint not.
God’s word also tells us that He gives rest to the weary…
See, endurance requires proper rest. So, don’t think that you can just plow through all of the work that you have ahead of you. Don’t think that your daily, weekly, or yearly to-do list requires non-stop working. Don’t think that you can just wait to breathe once you have checked off every box. Even God rested. Even Jesus slept. I urge you to give your mind, your body, & your spirit opportunities to breathe… OFTEN.
But how!? How can we rest, when there is so much to do?
Accept God’s gift of SABBATH. Set aside a 24 hour period for rest and reset. Even when you think that you could accomplish more if you worked instead of resting. Honor yourself and God enough to rest. What you do, or don’t do, on this day may vary (from person to person, from week to week). I only have one request for…use it to spend a little extra time with your Heavenly Father. That could be more time praying, worshiping, journaling, reading the Bible or all of the above. Just don’t forget to listen for his voice.
Start your days INTENTIONALLY with deep breathing, stretching and a chat with God about the day ahead. Submit your plans to him that you may succeed. Remind yourself that He is in control of any deviations to your plan.
Allow yourself MOMENTS to breathe and reset. There is a lot of evidence that we are more productive and more creative when we take breaks from working. Try taking a 5-10 minute exercise break every hour. You can walk, stretch, or just take deep breaths. This break should NOT including watching the news or scrolling through social media!! (By now, we should all know that this takes energy).
&& PLEASE SLEEP 7-9 hours. Even if you think that you “only need 4 hours of sleep.” Listen, I might not know you personally, but I know that you’re wrong. YOU NEED TO SLEEP. Again, I urge you to honor yourself enough to rest enough. You shall reap if you faint not. Sleep is good, fainting is not.
Don’t get weary in well doing.
Do good, rest intentionally, and trust God to sustain you along the journey.
REMEMBER that I love you and God loves you, more than you could EVER comprehend.
with love, Monique Danae
black. blessed. becoming 