An Enemy and a Reality Called Depletion – Stuart Segall

As I age, depletion is one of my “enemies”.  As a chaplain to others, I get so exhausted and depleted when I have helped someone on their journey home that I have to renew, refresh, and rededicate myself to the simple, profound, and miraculous words of our Lord.   I am as needy and dependent on them as anyone!  So, this one is a “for me…a for us” one as much as any other I have written.

When life starts pressing in on us, we can take a moment to settle ourselves in the quiet of God’s presence. That peace we’re longing for isn’t something we have to chase; it’s something we can return to, again and again, no matter what’s going on around us. There’s a way of carrying His presence with us even while we’re doing the ordinary things of our day. He goes ahead of us to make room for our steps, and He stays beside us as we take them. We won’t find a more faithful companion.

And because He’s with us like that, there can be a kind of lightness in how we move through the world. We don’t have to drag every worry or unfinished problem behind us. We can let Him carry what’s too heavy. This world will hand us trouble, that’s just the truth, but we don’t have to let it convince us that we’re alone or unprotected. He’s already broken the power those troubles have to define our lives. In Him, we can stand in peace that doesn’t depend on circumstances.

Psalm 31:19–20 (NLT) states: “How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues.”

God has a storehouse of goodness set aside for those who turn to Him. He covers and protects those who seek Him, even when the world is watching. He hides them in the shelter of His presence, far from schemes and accusations.

John 16:33 (NLT) states: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Jesus said these things so His peace could settle into us. Yes, there will be hardship and sorrow in this life, but take courage, He has already overcome the world. So, at the end of my day, as well as tomorrow’s beginning, this is where I return.

Contributing to many of the resources offered by Plain Truth Ministries, including the CWRblog, Stuart Segall writes from the state of Washington.  He has spent most of his adult life counseling, encouraging, inspiring and uplifting others.