Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Cast Your Cares

Tonight I feel tired. Not just tired physically, but emotionally tired. Don't worry, nothing tragic has happened. It's just that feeling you get when you're so physically tired and emotionally tired that you just want to cry? It's truly almost a mini breakdown, but one that cannot be explained by any one incident. Do you know that feeling? Or, am I the only one?

I admit it, I am not one that holds back tears. Well, actually, I do try not to cry in very public places where it feels like the whole world can see. But tonight, I couldn't help it. There at church I let those tears flow. I tried to stop them, but couldn't. And the little thing I was crying about really wasn't that big of a deal. But to a physically and emotionally spent mom like me, it was. So I cried, and the whole world saw.

But now that I am in the comfort of my home and the kids are asleep and my husband is not yet home from work, I am able to reflect a bit in the quietness that is so very rare around our place these days. And I keep coming back to one of my favorite Bible verses, 1 Peter 5:6-8, which says, 'cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.'

It's a simple verse, one that I memorized a long time ago and that has come in handy time and time again, both when comforting another who is going through hard times, or when I myself have experienced hard times. And again tonight, for my tired and weary soul, this seemingly simple verse speaks volumes. Whatever is going on in my life, I can give to God because He cares! He cares about the big, and the not so big things in our lives. I would even venture to say that those things that we call not so big
are big to Him, because He cares for us in everything. That truly is a comfort and brings peace to my oh so tired soul.

I don't know why I felt led to write about my less-than-great night. Believe me, blogging was the last thing on my mind when I came home tonight. I actually just felt like crawling into bed, under my covers, and hiding until the morning came when I would be refreshed and have a whole new perspective. But I felt I needed to 'chat,' regardless of how one-sided this chatting may be. And I felt led to share my heart and my first-hand knowledge of the comfort God can provide.

If you're reading this and have also had a rough day, please cast all your cares upon Him tonight. Believe me, you'll be glad you did!

5 comments:

TanyaLea said...

I know very well what you speak of. I was feeling that same emotional downpull last week, but definitely was carried through by God and the blessings of many uplifting sisters-in-Christ! God is so good and faithful to see us through...even when the cares seem small to us. What an awesome God we serve!! <><

Praying He brings you comfort and rest and refreshes your soul!

Hugs,
Tanya

Tara Anderson said...

Trust me, you are NOT the only one to be so physically and emotionally spent that the tears start flowing! It happens to me, too...and frequently. :) To be able to just sob hysterically in the loving arms of our heavenly Father is one of the best feelings ever, as far as I'm concerned. It is so freeing...so refreshing. I'm glad you came to that place!!!!

Valerie and Jeff said...

Oh Angie! I'm sorry that you were feeling that way! I probably saw you right before you melted at church and I am sorry that I wasn't there for you. You are an amazing woman and you carry the load of so much family stuff on your own. God has entrusted you with much because He knows that when you feel over-burndened you'll turn to Him for help. I love the verse you pointed out. I hope the refreshing cry cleared the stress of things ... as much as I hate to cry, I love that God has given us that as a release to clear the dirt that builds up and clouds our light.
Love you!
Valerie

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure what is going on with women's emotions this last few weeks. I'm glad to hear you were able to look back and see what is important. It's hard sometimes to put aside our thoughts and fears and focus on God.
I found myself singing Strong Tower last week.

"You are my strong tower
A shelter over me
Beautiful and mighty
Everlasting King
You are my strong tower
Fortress when I'm weak
Your name is True and Holy
Your face is all I see"

I think it's ok to sometimes be weak and even for others to see. Because when you are able to turn your focus back to God, others see that too and isn't that what being a Christian is all about?

I'll keep praying for you though because sometime it's hard to not get caught up with these earthly emotions.

juliemk said...

Ang,

I wish I could give you a hug, but I guess a virtual hug will have to work. :-) You are an amazing mom with such a heart for God. I thank God for you and the blessings that you have brought to my life. Praying that you get some rest and comfort from Him who comforts all and friends that he works through. :-)