Refreshing Rest

“I will refresh those who are weary and will satisfy with food everyone who is weak from hunger.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31‬:‭25‬ ‭

I am weary. This week has been long. I have slept, I am just physically and emotionally exhausted. My schedule has been full and I know this time of the year takes its toll on me. My negative coping skill when I am weary is turning to food for comfort.

As a child, my parents were not physically comforting; food was a comfort. Every big event in my life I have a food memory for comfort.

• My dad went to jail, when he got out we went to a local ice cream shop.
• We went to A&W after every counseling.
• When my best friend died, my sister took me to Shoney’s.
• When my grandpa died, we had a family reunion with food.
• Time with grandma was always centered around food.
• Family get togethers, always revolved around food.

I am aware as an adult that food should not be my go to for comfort, that is Holy Spirit’s job. I am not eating for hunger but for habit and comfort. With the weary feeling that has surrounded me this week, I have made unhealthy food choices.

Maybe that is not your struggle but a lot of people have unhealthy coping skills when they are feeling weary. Some turn to drinking, drugs, alcohol. Even things like gossip, self promotion or self loathing can be a coping skills.

We all however are told to let God minister to us when we are weary. He wants to not only refresh us but to satisfy our hunger. He wants to bring us rest.

““Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬-‭30‬ ‭

We have a choice of what we use to cope. Just as ai have made a habit of turning to food, I can also chose to turn to God and allow Him to minister to me in the weariness. He can satisfy me, He can fill me like no food ever could.

Lord, forgive me for turning again to food to help me cope with a long week. Help me to turn to You first instead after negative coping skills. Thank you for the rest that is available in You. Help me to utilize it.