I can’t do this, Jesus.
Silently, your heart cries out to God in wordless groans that only He understands (Romans 8:26). Maybe it has already burst out from your heart like a powerful jet of water. Words erupt right up and out of your mouth in desperation, “I can’t do this Lord!” It aches when you find that you are at the end of yourself. Strength gone. Self-sufficiency unmasked as the mirage that it has always been.
The truth is you can’t do it. But that’s OK. You are created to depend on Jesus, the Shepherd of your soul. In Him, you live, move and have your being (Acts 17:28). Apart from Him, you can do nothing (John 15:5). This is a wonderful truth if you let the weight of your worry rest in the depths of His mercy and compassion.
Consider Christ crucified.
You could not do what Jesus accomplished at the cross. Only the perfect Lamb of God could; His blood bought you and you are His beloved child. Only the Resurrected Rescuer could defeat every sin, overcome darkness, and bring forth new life. In Him is life everlasting. The very real struggle you face lightens when you turn your face to the one who bore the full force of that darkness. A heavy load is lightened in the light of Christ’s love and grace for you.
Linger at the cross.
Worn-out worship sometimes looks like head-in-hands and an outstretched heart. Spend time beholding the magnificent glory of the good news that Christ died to save sinners. It is finished. Christ has already accomplished what you could never do. When you were helpless and harassed, an enemy of God, Jesus died for you. As the nails pierced His hands and feet, He saw you and felt compassion. He sees you still.
Every battle you face has gone through the Almighty. His compassionate and gracious love sees what you cannot see. He knows what you cannot know. But you can trust in His unfailing kindness and wisdom. There is purpose in the pain and peace in His promises.
When you feel most forsaken and alone, remember the one who cried out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Christ’s utter isolation from His Father brings you into complete union with your heavenly Father. His Father is your Father.
He will strengthen you for the day ahead. His grace will be upon you in the trenches of trial and temptation. His compassion will never fail. He hears the cry of your heart and bottles your tears.
Dwell upon resurrection hope.
The cross secured your salvation; the resurrection secured your hope. You have eternal life now and are sealed by the Spirit. Meditate upon the open tomb and the folded grave-clothes. Think upon the God-Man who called His disciples to follow Him, walked with them along the road, cooked them breakfast on a beach, listened to their doubts, answered their cries for help, reinstated them when they had failed, promised to never leave them.
You cannot bear the burden. But Jesus can.
You cannot win the battle in front of you. But Jesus has.
You cannot end the struggle. But Jesus will.
He will fight for you. Be still. Know that He is your God and He will be your all-sufficient Saviour, Provider, and Sustainer. He cares for you. Cast your cares on Him.
Jesus, I can’t do this. But You can. You have. You will.
Ruth Clemence – Writer and Blogger 