As many of my posts, this one is again inspired by a song, and a verse that my friend pointed me to yesterday when I really needed it.

It’s easy for many of us to become worn down by the things of this life – the things that are hard, unfair, difficult, and exhausting (physically and mentally).  I’ve certainly been worn down lately – by the heartbreaking situation that two of my friends find themselves in, by the difficulties another friend has been  having at work, by the health challenges I’m currently facing, by the health challenges of an aging family member, by the challenges facing another friend and her kids, by being alone.  Let me make something abundantly clear before you keep reading: I want to know what my friends are struggling with, how to pray  for them, and how I can help.  I want you to keep telling me these things, and expecting that I will listen and pray for you.

Right now I am just worn down.  Listen to this and tell me it doesn’t ring some bells in your life, now or in the past.

I’m Tired I’m worn My heart is heavy From the work it takes To keep on breathing Sometimes literally…
I’ve made mistakes So many of them….
I’ve let my hope fail My soul feels crushed By the weight of this world

And I know that you can give me rest Oh how I want that rest, true rest.
So I cry out with all that I have left It may not be much, but I cry out with everything I have left.

Let me see redemption win
Let me know the struggle ends
That you can mend a heart
That’s frail and torn
I wanna know a song can rise
From the ashes of a broken life
And all that’s dead inside can be reborn
Cause I’m worn

My life is broken, and I need to know that good can come of it.  I’ve seen it time and time again, but sometimes I lose hope that this is all worth it.  That it is worth it to let people into the deepest parts of my life and let them see that I am not perfect, that I struggle just like anyone else.

I know I need to lift my eyes up But I’m too weak Life just won’t let up I can’t do any of this in my own strength – I have to rely on God to get through not only each day, but each hour.

So, heaven come and flood my eyes Let me see that there is a light in the dark world, that in some small way, my light can join with others to shine brightly, no matter how dim my light feels right now.  Give me a glimpse here on this earth that something better is coming.  Help me to trust You, no matter what life throws my way.  For I know that you are my Rock eternal, and that you are working in my life for your glory, even if it’s hard to see right now.  Even though I’m worn right now, I trust You to give me strength to keep putting one foot in front of the other, day after day.
Take heart, my friends, for He is the everlasting God, the one in whom we trust, who will sustain us even in the most difficult of times.

You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

Isaiah 26:3-4