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If you’re like me, the fatigue of the year we’ve just encountered is undeniable right now. As we head into the holiday season, a time where we desire rest, peace, joy and love to abound, you may find yourself discouraged and overwhelmed.
The holidays present an especially “doing” time of year. And it’s not that what we’re doing is bad. We’re doing good things – loving people and serving places. But in all our doing, we can run dry and become burdened, frazzled, anxious and edgy, because we haven’t made time to be with God.
This idea reminds me of a time in my life when I needed help. That was not a question. With three little boys and a baby girl due soon, there were things I couldn’t do anymore. So when my sweet husband came home from work, he helped me do things that had become difficult as my due date drew nearer – just about anything that required bending or reaching.
I was so very thankful for his willing heart and helping hands, but one day as he sat down next to me I realized something – while I loved all of the things Luke was doing for me, I didn’t want him to only do things for me.
Sometimes – in fact most of the time – I would much rather him sit down beside me and be with me. That’s how we connect in a meaningful, fulfilling way. Sometimes, I think I miss this piece of my relationship with God.
I need to spend less time doing and more time simply being with Jesus.
In John 15, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)
In literature, when something is repeated, it is to make sure we don’t miss it. In John 15:1-10 verses, Jesus said “remain” eleven times. Eleven times!
When we remain in Christ, we root ourselves in his presence. When we live rooted in God’s presence, fear has no place to grow. And as we remain in Jesus, He transfers the riches of his joy to us.
With the increase of demands this time of year and our already weary souls, I want to encourage you to prioritize being with Jesus. All of those demands will find their place as we sit with our Savior.
Copyright © 2020 by Katy McCown @ https://katymccown.com/blog/ . Used with permission. No part of this article may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from Lifeword.org.