Ever have one of those days where you are just done? Hold on, D.O.N.E…that’s the kind of done I’m talking about. A terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Yeah, me too. And when I have one of those days which are…ahem…few and far between…cough-cough, (I bet we have them more than others know and more than we care to admit) the irst thing I should do and need to do is look for some inspiring Bible quotes.
I usually do something ridiculous though like eat too much dark chocolate–yes, it can happen, turn on the television (which is a huge no-no for me), or try to lose myself in the world wide web–which is very easy to do. Instead of reaching for the food, remote or phone, I need to saturate myself with inspiring Bible quotes. Let’s look at one of them today, Inspiring Bible Quotes: John 4:15
Inspiring Bible Quotes: John 4:15
Jesus was sitting at the well talking to a woman who was done…D.O.N.E. Know who else was done? Jesus. He was tired. He traveled from town to town on foot until His death; the Lord knows He even walked then. Right up that hill called Calvary, carrying the weight of the world, carrying the weight of our sins, in the form of a wooden cross.
So Jesus comes up to this well at noon time, hungry, tired, and thirsty. Around the same time, a Samaritan woman comes along as well. And St. Augustine says, “He who desired to drink thirsted for the faith of the woman…” Is that not beautiful?! So Jesus engaged the Samaritan women, asking for a drink because He was tired, worn-out, and thirsty–but not just for water. Jesus thirsted more for her soul.
Listen to me momma, Jesus is speaking to us in our weariness just like He spoke with the Samaritan woman. But I want you to get this, He spoke with her, not at her. He started a conversation asking her questions. He communed with her, drawing her into Himself. He’s doing the same thing with us every.single.day!
He is trying to lead us away from only thinking of earthly refreshment though–if you could even call what this world offers “refreshment.” He wants us to consider eternal refreshment. On those hard days momma, He is drawing us to Himself. Especially on those days we are worn smooth and weary. He calls us especially close on those days.
That’s what makes these inspiring Bible quotes so hard to recognize some days in the mess and the mayhem. We can’t even think straight much less think eternal.
The confusion, the noise…can we even hear Jesus calling to us over the television, telephone, radio or internet? The distractions we seek–and they really are only distractions aren’t they–they don’t fill us up or satisfy. As a matter of fact, new science has proven they make us crave even more!
Really, all these distractions, they could care less about us. They don’t ask us questions of worth and value. I mean, knowing which Anne of Green Gables character I am from some Facebook quiz, isn’t getting me one step closer to my goal of eternal life with Jesus. Answering random Facebook questions, those aren’t inviting me into an eternal, soul quenching conversation. And yet they suck me in all.the.time.
In his book, The Way, St Josemaria Escriva states, “Why stoop to drink from the puddles of worldly consolations if you can satisfy your thirst with waters that spring up into life everlasting?” I love that phrase, “…that spring up into…” that’s active and enthusiastic–the perfect sword to fight fatigue and weariness, much like the inspiring Bible quote from John 4.
“Every one who drinks of this water will thirst again…”
†John 4:13
Isn’t that the truth? We will thirst again in worldly refreshment. When it comes to distracting ourselves with the internet, our phone or the television, not only do we thirst again, the very nature of those devices makes us want more and more! Google internet addiction. Google smart phone addiction. There are numerous studies proving the internet can become an addiction. And when the addiction is removed, the addicted person will suffer withdrawal symptoms as if they were coming off drugs.
I want to respond the way the woman at the well did,
“Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.”
†John 4:15
The greatest commitment I made in 2018 was to read my Bible daily. This was a hard commitment to keep…life. Life gets busy and I get bored and picking up my Bible can easily fall by the wayside. I’ve also got an enemy whispering in my ear, trying to set me up and then accuse me of failing. So I did a couple of things to help set myself up for success.
1. I purchased a One Year Bible. All I have to do is pick it up and start reading.
2. I found a translation I love. Not a translation everyone else loves, or the translation I “should” love, but one I actually love.
3. I made two rules. If it makes me think, I underline it and then go back and highlight it. And, if I think it, I write it in the margin or on a sticky note. I’ve written “Huh?” “Wow!” “What in the world?!?!” “Amen!” etc.
Listen, when I’m beat down, worn out and just plain ‘ol D.O.N.E. I want to go to Jesus for nourishment and refreshment that actually satisfies in this life and the next.
Friends, I know that feeling of being done mentally, physically, and emotionally. I also know there are so many factors to consider. We are fearfully and wonderfully made and our minds, bodies, emotions, and souls are complex yet meant to function well together, in a beautiful harmony orchestrated by our Creator. I would love to share the benefits I’ve found using essential oils to help support my mind, body, and emotions. Rather than bandaid the problem, they have helped me identify the foundation and address it,naturally. When I had my hysterectomy, I bought myself a plant (a story for another time) and some essential oils to support my recovery, especially mentally and emotionally. I am part of an amazing Young Living essential oil community led by a family physician who has created this team that strives for a “culture of education” to learn how to use essential oils functionally, not just recreationally. Click here and let’s start an essential oil conversation.
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Jennifer says
I am very guilty of this. It is easier to turn into ourselves than to deal with life’s crazy crisis sometimes. Thanks for refreshing my way of thinking!
Michelle says
I love that quote from St. Josemaria Escriva. Wow, such consolation. And it’s consolation that I always seem to be looking for with those other things that you mentioned.
Soothing my weariness is what I want. This morning, after a night of 3 boys in my bed, I was finally feeling like I’d had enough. After a head butt at 5 am, I actually swore in frustration and jumped up to get some time alone ~ with my coffee and prayer time.
I got downstairs and brewed my coffee only to hear my little one waking to nurse. Ugh! I stomped up full of resentment. I was nursing him and couldn’t stop feeling selfish. Then, I heard God’s voice. He said something like, “Michelle, don’t you know that you won’t be truly happy unless you are doing My will anyway?” Sigh. “Yes God, you are right.” I resigned myself.
Great post.
Jenny says
Oh Michelle been there done that so many times! God is so good and patient with me…things I strive for daily with myself and others.
Sarah says
This is one of my favorite Bible stories, and I really like your perspective!
Jenny says
Thanks Sarah. I’m glad you enjoyed my reflections.
Clare says
Yes, there are days when I am at the end of my tether too…and how right you are…It sometimes takes a while for the penny to drop that I need God at that time not some other short term fix…I wish I could fix that insight permanently in my brain!!!
You say it as it is – and you say it so well…and always with that tinge of humour. Thank you!
Jenny says
Hi Clare. I’ve never heard that expression, “…the penny to drop.” But I understand exactly what you mean. For me, it seems most of life, including the spiritual life is a constant state of reminding.
Candace says
It sounds like we use the same escapes: TV, chocolate, and internet. Thank you for this wonderful reminder of who we should escape with. Jesus is so much more soothing than anything else we could possibly choose. The story of the Samaritan woman never gets old!
Jenny says
Hi Candace. I love it when the Lord reveals fresh insight into familiar stories. He always meets me where I am.