Rest for the Weary

Romans 8:26-39

Have you ever heard thought this to yourself:  I'm the only one who can do ____ (fill in the blank).  I know I've been guilty at that at different times in my life.  My husband doesn't fold the clothes the right away, or my kids don't clean their rooms well, or, at work, I'm the only one who can do x, y or z.  Sigh.  I'm so needed.  And my way is the only right way.

If you have that 'my way or the highway' perfectionist streak, take another look at Romans 8.  Paul tells us that God will do what I cannot (even when I think that only I can do it).

"We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." - v. 26.  Even when you don't know how to pray or what to pray for, God does.

"the Spirit intercedes for God's people n accordance with the will of God."  v. 27.  The will of God, not your plan - and Lord, help me make Your Plan My Plan.

And God's plan, dear friends, is that in ALL things he works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (v. 28).

Set your perfectionist burdens down.  God longs for you to trust him.  He is worthy.  Soak in these works from Matthew 11:

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Lord, forgive me for thinking that I and I alone can get things done.  Nothing could be further from the truth, and that attitude robs me of joy.  This week, I pray that I would find true rest and peace in you, and that I would rejoice in the good gifts of rest, sleep, and time in the word.  Amen.