Take Care of Yourself

I was sitting in the woods, on a tree log, all by myself. It was raining, I felt alone, and this pond was right in front of me. As I looked out to the pond, I watched the raindrops splash as they hit the water. I was feeling overwhelmed, wondering how I could take any more weight on my shoulders.

My mind was thinking about everyone I love and everything they are going through, all while trying to manage my own disruptions in life, especially regarding my health. I began to tell God that I couldn’t keep taking on everyone’s weight around me. I told Him I wasn’t strong enough for any of this. I told Him I was ready to give up on everything, and nobody understood what I was going through.

Then suddenly, I felt a weird feeling. It was as if someone was watching me, although I wasn’t scared. I turned around, and there He was, Jesus, walking towards me. He came and sat down next to me on the tree log. I was crying, and I knew He knew the weight and the pain I was carrying. He said, “Hello,” and I smiled. I think He has a little sense of humor because here I am sobbing in the pouring rain, and He starts off with Hello? Maybe He wanted me to feel seen.

Anyway, I proceeded to tell Him I needed Him, and I couldn’t do any of this alone. He wrapped me up and told me, “I got you.” I said, “I trust you, and I know that you have me, but how am I supposed to move forward if I hurt so deeply for others, and I take on their weight?” He then said, “It is my job to bear their weight. I want you to focus on yourself.” I then started to say, “I don’t want to be selfish…” He stopped me and said, “You are important, too. Take care of yourself, just as I have told you to do.”

I then woke up from my dream full of peace.

I wanted to share this with you because I know someone reading this is feeling overwhelmed. Someone is also taking on the weight of the world when it was never meant for them to bear. Someone is feeling lonely, like they are all alone on a tree log, sobbing in the rain. Someone is putting themselves on the back burner to make sure everyone else is okay.

If this is you today, first, I want to say that I see you, and you are so loved. Next, I want you to envision yourself sitting right there next to Jesus, just as I was. Hear His words tell you to take care of yourself and let Him bear your weight.

I don’t know what you are going through today, but I do know that Jesus cares so much about you. He doesn’t want you to feel lonely; He wants you to feel His presence near you. You are never alone, and God is the only one who will 100% of the time understand you.

Rest in the assurance that when we are weak, He is strong!

Journal Prompt:

What is weighing you down today? Remember that Jesus will carry the weight for you, so lay it down at His feet.

Ref: Matthew 11:28-30, John 15:5