"Are you okay?" The question I have been asked so much recently and truly don't know how to answer.
"Yeah," I say in response, because I think I am. At least I am in that moment.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I'm sure."
But am I, really? Am I truly okay? My relationship ended, my classes are overwhelming, sometimes I question my sanity, I make jokes about how the mental breakdown as a result of school and life hasn't happened yet, but it's there waiting to pounce. Am I truly okay?
To be honest, I have no idea. And that's okay. It is okay to admit that I don't know if I'm okay.
I think society likes to put us into two boxes:
Box one: Yes, I'm okay, like really okay, or
Box two: I'm really not okay but I have to lie and say that I am because if I say I'm not okay, I'm being a burden.
Which box do you find yourself in the most? Box one or box two?
Jesus says "Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
How often do we actually do that? I know I don't. And I know I need to practice this more often.
When the world says there are boxes, they happen to leave the third one out:
Box three: I am not okay, but because of Jesus and His love for me, I will be.
Jesus wants to give us rest! All we have to do is ask.
So, "are you okay?"
I don't know. Sometimes I am, sometimes I'm not. But what I do know is I will be okay.
If you, dear friend, are feeling anxious, weary, burdened, stressed, or just not okay at all, you are not alone. It is okay for you to feel that way! We have an amazing Father who will be there to help strengthen us.
For when you go through the desert, you will not be alone, for our God walks beside us, in front of us, and behind us. He's got us on all sides, asking, "Do you trust me?"
Dear Lord,
Some of us are "okay," some of us aren't, and some of us don't know. But we know we can put our trust in You, we can reach for You, and You will give us rest. You will provide nourishment in this desert we may be walking through. Remind us that we are not a burden to You. Give us the strength we need to keep going. We love You, Lord. Thank You for Your mercy and grace.
Amen.
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