The Weary

Many people find everyday life burdensome and exhausting. When the arrive home from work, they feel all their energy have been drained. The real cause of our energy getting drained is not really our work, family problems and other challenges. The root cause is rather…

Many people find everyday life burdensome and exhausting. When the arrive home from work, they feel all their energy have been drained. They are no longer able to interact lively with family members due to exhaustion or stress from the day’s responsibilities and problems. They want to give up. Some just give up or resort to drugs and alcohol in order to escape from the stress of daily living.

True Cause of Exhaustion in Life

Do you know that it is not the heavy work load, or job responsibilities and life problems that cause the exhaustion? The real cause of exhaustion is too much worrying. Some people have heavy responsibilities but are still able to be cheerful in life. What is their secret?

Focus: The Antidote to Worrying

We can get our inspiration from the story of Jesus Walking on the Lake (Matthew 14:22-33).

When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the lake, they were terrified and cried, “It’s a ghost!”, to which Jesus immediately said to them, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then Peter said, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water” and Jesus replied “Come”.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”. And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.

Notice how Peter was able to walk on the water when he was focused on Jesus. It was when he started looking elsewhere particularly at his surroundings, when his attention was no longer with Jesus that he started to sink.

The key to worrying less is to focus on Jesus. There is nothing wrong with acknowledging what goes around us, at seeing our challenges, but instead of worrying too much about them, surrender your concerns to Jesus. It will reduce your worrying and give you the energy to face your challenges with wisdom and calmness.

Too much Worrying is a Manifestation of Lack of Faith in God

When you find yourself worrying too much, it is a manifestation of lack of faith in God. This is what Jesus stressed as he told Peter, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

So when you notice how much you are worrying, stop! Pray to God. Offer your troubles to him. Rest in him. Draw your attention to him. Read your prayer book. Listen to Godly music. Read a God-inspired story. Read the Bible. This way, you will find detachment from the things that are causing your worry.

Stop Worrying. Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

Prayer

Dear Jesus, we are so worried about so many things in this life. We are exhausted by our unnecessary worrying. Please forgive our lack of faith. Please grant us the grace to focus on you and to see the things of this world in your light. Help us to face our challenges with peace and greater trust in you. Amen.


Source: Fr. Chu Homily, Sto. Nino Parish, Tacloban

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