When You’re Exhausted

An oasis provides refreshment in the middle of the desert. It’s a place of refuge that stands alone in the midst of an unforgiving and dry place. It provides rest, water, shade, and an opportunity for revival. Jesus is our oasis. He offers us rest and refreshment in the middle of life’s harshest climates. When we are dry, weary, and burdened, he invites us to come to him. He is an oasis of life-giving peace.

We all have different ways of managing our stress and frustration. Some of us try to stuff our emotions deep down, and some of us let them bubble up and explode. Some of us turn to coping mechanisms like food or entertainment, and some of us lean heavily on exercise or venting to friends. The truth is that all of those things provide temporary relief. While they aren’t all bad, they are inadequate if they aren’t coupled with an ever-increasing trust in Jesus.

Jesus offers us his help when life is exhausting and unforgiving. He invites us to give him our burdens and let him take control. Instead of being discouraged by the presence of trials, we can see them as opportunities to depend on Jesus. He happily provides us with everything we need, and he longs to walk alongside us through everything life throws at us.

As we cultivate dependence on him, we will find that life is more manageable. The things that used to overwhelm us seem lighter, and our confidence expands. The continual act of putting our burdens in his hands generates peace, lightness of heart, and a quiet sense of steadiness. The deep, soul-altering sense of security we all long for is found in his presence.

Today, let Jesus be your refuge. His mercy and grace are exactly what your desperate soul needs. Lay your burdens at his feet and let him refresh you from the inside out. He doesn’t want you to wander helplessly through the desert. Instead, he wants you to experience the renewal and hope only he can offer. Trust him to replenish your strength, refresh your spirit, and equip you for what’s to come.

Which burdens do you need to offer to God today?