Another shooting? Another fire? Another hurricane? Another Tweet? There are days that I'm fatigued. Every tragedy and crisis requires emotional energy. Bad news is a burden assumed by the head and heart. At some point, compassion fatigue sets in. We turn numb to violence, pain, and death. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims . . ." It is a pre-packaged catchphrase that rings hollow because we can't find words that really help. So what do we do when we're fatigued by bad news? Bear Burden Together
It is dangerous to live life alone. We are designed to be dependent - on God and others. The task of burden-bearing is a key work of the Christian church. Martin Luther once wrote: "To love does not mean to wish someone else well, but to bear someone else’s burdens . . . Therefore a Christian must have broad shoulders and husky bones to carry the weakness of brothers and sisters." Share, confide, and walk with a brother or sister in Christ. Rest "Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge" (Ps. 16:1). God is regularly described as a place of refuge. He himself is our safety and rest. Certainly we find refuge in his word, in worship, and the gifts he gives. In this vein, it is also necessary to build in moments of rest. We need a refuge of time and space. Take a break from the news. Unplug the internet in the evenings. Schedule a day to power down and go outside. Groan and Sign God invites fatigued prayers. He never tires, sleeps, or slumbers. He longs to hear the cries of the tired and desperate. Paul acknowledges times where prayer is more of a groan than discernible language. "For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words" (Rom. 8:26). Jesus told the story of a desperate widow who was "persistent" in calling upon a judge for justice. Luke opens the account by saying, “And Jesus told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.” (Luke 18:1). Be relentless as you throw yourself at his feet. Lord, have mercy . . . Have mercy . . . Lord . . .
Dona Forbes
11/13/2018 12:50:00 pm
Thanks for posting your message on facebook. More people can be blessed by this message as we share with our friends who are not members of CM. Another great way to witness being Loved and Sent to a hurting world.
Marilynn Schwarz
11/16/2018 04:15:32 pm
Jeff, our Stephen Ministers are meeting for prayer Monday night and im going to share this. Thank you so much. His words, through you, are priceless. Thank you for sharing.
Chris Hoemann
11/18/2018 07:45:40 pm
I opened and read this blog 10 minutes before a Bible study for women who are going thru divorce. Our topic of discussion this week is the important role of your church and faith family! God sure knows what we need to hear. So grateful for my church family and Pastor! Thanks P.J. Comments are closed.
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