Good News for the Weary

I think I saw recently on Facebook that the 3rd Monday in January is supposedly the most depressing day of the year for many people. And I guess this could really make some sense. For some, the cold and lack of sunshine may have begun to take their toll. For others, maybe it's the impending failure of their New Year's resolution. And maybe for others, it's the fact that the holidays are over yet spring is still far away.

Quite the opposite for me, January has always been a time to buckle down and become more consistent, more diligent and "mo' better." But not this January. 

In short, more "buckling down" and doing my best are not what's on MY mind as I type this post. Instead, I woke this Monday morning with a deeply humbled spirit knowing I've only just begun to scratch the surface of what God is up to in my life via 29 months of consistent illness AND a lifetime of strivings that often end in failure. To put it bluntly, I'm beginning to learn from experience that, above all things, I am more sinful than I ever imagined. And it's not a pretty sight.

But thankfully, this is only half of what I'm beginning to learn. As I'm humbled by the ever-increasing realization that I am utterly helpless to be good and do better in and of myself, I'm simultaneously showered daily with the knowledge that, in spite of my consistent failure(s), I am more cared for and loved by God than I ever dared to hope. God's extravagant mercy and grace to me as revealed in his persistent forgiveness and unconditional love draws me into a deeper dependence on Him which, in turn, keeps me humble.

What a relief!

So, as the 3rd Monday of January looms large, MY sights are set NOT on all the things I can accomplish this month but instead on striving to humbly yet boldly approach [God's] throne of grace because it's there where I will receive mercy and find grace to help me in my time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Now THIS is good news for the weary...and I'm weary!