Hope in Weariness

The line from the Christmas Song, ‘O Holy Night’ has stood out to me in a different way this year than ever before.

‘A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.’

I’ve felt weary some days; actually more days than I’d like to admit. As routine has set in, I’ve found myself exhausted with everyday tasks. Having four kids, three years and younger, has been more physically and mentally draining than I would have imagined. 

I’m sure the same goes for you wherever you are at in life. Battling an illness, fighting for a relationship, praying for provision in some aspect, feeling your job is getting you no where, mourning the loss of a loved one and the list goes on. All of these things take on different levels of personal weight, but we can all agree that we feel weary at times.

BUT, the thrill of hope comes in the midst of our weariness.

Before the creation of the world, God was there. Before we entered into the circumstance we are currently in, God was there. And you know, God is with you right now.

God sent his son, Jesus, to redeem his people to himself. He gave up his only son for a wicked and sin-filled world, for selfish and prideful people like myself, to provide a way to have a relationship with God. Giving us eternal communion with the King of Kings when we put our faith in Him. 

What a THRILL of HOPE!

I have never sacrificed something so precious and hard as my own child for someone who might not ever thank or love me back. God did. Knowing this, we can believe God has given us everything we need to endure whatever we are going through because He has already given us everything we need. Jesus. Romans 8:32 says this perfectly, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”

In Christ alone we can REJOICE because we will one day be in heaven with our perfect creator. No more heartache, pain, sickness, fear, frustration, selfishness. No more sin.

So much of my weariness is caught up in my own selfishness; of just wanting a minute to myself. To not have to wipe the fifth poopy butt for the day. To not have a shirt covered in spit up. To not have to constantly be breaking up a fight over one little toy when there is a house filled with them. To not have to inhale my food before one starts crying…again.

Jesus is the perfect example of what it looks like to serve, love, and die to self for people who don’t deserve it.

I can use Jesus as my model to instead say, “I get to kiss the never ending boo boo’s, I get to console two babies simultaneously, I get to read Little Blue Truck for the sixth time, I get to look undone because I GET TO serve four babies.” And honestly, what a joy!

So this Christmas I am rejoicing more than ever for what the Lord has done for me. For all of us. I’m clinging to the hope that is in my Savior, Jesus Christ, so I can look up out of the chaos that has become my life and refocus on His promises day by day

Because each day there is so much around us to rejoice and have hope in.

Merry Christmas to all and here’s to 2019! 

Love,

The Graham Clan