Kristen Henderlong

There’s an atmosphere of pain and heaviness lurking around us at all times.  Do you feel it?  We try not to.  Everywhere you turn, someone is sick, upset, causing division, suffering from trauma, grieving a loss.  We try to avoid it; especially if we feel as though we have moved passed our own problems.  We don’t want to hear it when someone else is in pain.

Don’t get me wrong, I believe life is absolutely beautiful and fun.  There are opportunities everywhere.  There are good people out there.  You are one of them.  However, I think everyone knows we live in a broken world.

How do you deal?  Do you spend the weekends drinking and escaping reality just to feel alive and experience that lighthearted thrill?  Do you burry yourself in work to numb the feelings and drown out the noise of the world?  Do you spend hours scrolling or binging?  Do you constantly buy materialistic things to meet a craving you have for status, appearance or convenience?  Do you lie in bed at night depressed and wide awake?  Or are you in denial, completely unaware of the state you are in?

Think about the interactions you have had in public lately.  Ever come across a crazy, angry driver?  Have you ever had a horrible experience at a grocery store because an employee had an attitude and no patience?  Maybe you didn’t get the best service at a restaurant; at your own job a manager yelled at you?  So many people are on edge.  Maybe you are full of anxiety and have moments of overwhelm in public places which result in outbursts or frustration.

We have all been through something… or multiple things.  It’s like they say: “Hurt people— hurt people.”  I don’t mean to sound depressing, but whether you are feeling pretty good right now or not, I’m sure you cannot deny that life is freakin’ hard.  

Everyone talks about burn-out as if it’s something to avoid and be aware of… when it seems like the whole culture of America (as an American I can only speak for America) is running on fumes.  We are so far passed burnout.  What are we doing?

I cannot pretend to know all the answers because I find myself just as distracted and apathetic as the next person.  I’ve been through some rocky times, messed up, cried many tears, carried the weight of fear and pain in a lot of ways.  I have been prone to binge and try to escape reality.

So is it hopeless?  We need a little healing, renewal, transformation, deliverance, empowerment, confidence, reconciliation, security, advice, LOVE.  We need some love.  Have you ever met someone who offers all of these things constantly and perfectly?

I have.  His name is Jesus.

Let’s be real—it sounds pretty cliché to just say, “Jesus can fix it!” Or “God is in control.”  Most people don’t want to hear that when they’re in the thick of it, including myself.  If I am struggling and complain about something I don’t want someone preaching to me about how I should feel or what I should think or that Jesus can fix it all. Puh-lease.

But after I’ve had my little temper tantrum and I’m at the end of my rope, someone who has all the answers, all the comfort, the security, advice and perfect love?  Someone like that sounds pretty amazing.  And I’m sorry, but Jesus is the only one I know who is unwavering in all these things.  He is the only one who doesn’t get impatient or annoyed when I complain.  He is the only one who has everything I need and everything the world needs.  He is the only one who truly understands because He knows me to my core.

The cool thing about all this is that Jesus welcomes my temper tantrums and He welcomes your’s, too.  Some people believe if you’re a “Christian” you have to act perfect like you have it all together; like you’re the superhero who’s going to save hurting people.  If that’s you—STAWP doing that to yourself.  Jesus said, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).

To apply this practically to my life looks like reflection, journaling and prayer.  These things help me to be present and get things off my chest that may be weighing me down. 

We are not meant to carry the weight of the world.  If I am feeling burned out and I am super distracted or struggling to remember to pray, I ask God to remind me.  He has a way of making His presence known at just the right time in just the right place.  He will keep your fire from burning out. Ask him to remind you He is with you.  Ask Him to remind you that you can talk to Him about ANYthing.  He welcomes it all.

Remember: You are loved.