Men, You Are Not Alone!
Waking in the middle of the night, sweating, and shivering at the thought of all the bad things that could happen tomorrow if you decide wrong. Knowing the impact on the people you care about if you fail. The responsibility is yours and matter how much effort you exert, failure is a big possibility. Ever been there? I have, too.
Carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders is crushing. We go through our days facing battle after battle, calamity after calamity knowing this is our responsibility since we are the head of the family. Work problems heaped upon family problems cause a weight to envelop us. In response, we tackle self-help, time management, and motivational books. We attend classes and seminars to gain an advantage. We spend more time at work, detrimental to the family problems, searching for answers to problems or ways to be more productive. We certainly don’t want to admit to our boss that we are overwhelmed. We most certainly cannot admit defeat. Not only exhausting but fear and anxiety-producing.
The love we have for our family is overwhelming. We cannot let anything happen to them that brings them pain or sorrow. To be the head of the family means we solve their problems, motivate them, and opportunities to become the absolute best they can be. We cannot let them down. We do not want them to worry or think we are not the husband/father we are supposed to be. We are to show them with our actions, not just provide their food and shelter but also the way to God. My palms are sweating just writing these words.
Without the most supportive of family members, we can believe we are on our own, facing these giants without a sling or stones. Although we have many friends, the need to keep our personal feelings, goals, desires and fears close to our chest governs these relationships. Men cannot let others think they are weak. If we are lucky, we have a “best” friend we are comfortable with and can tell our deepest thoughts to without fear of ridicule or derision. This happens seldom.
But wait, there is good news.
God never meant for our lives to be lived in anxiety. We have heaped these burdens upon ourselves. Sure, we have responsibilities that we must plan for and work at to insure those we love are taken care of. As the head of the family or as a friend to others, we must accept our position and be a benefit or blessing. God’s plans for men are to lead, to be productive, and to love and bless others. What else is there in life that is rewarding or satisfying?
We have not been condemned to lead a life of fear. But, how to rise above?
Revisit the promises from God. Isaiah 33:6 (NIV) is a good place to start. “He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.”
Isaiah was very prophetic. In chapter 41:10, he provides the balm to soothe our anxious thoughts, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Jesus said in Matthew 11: 28–30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Good news? Rely on God; He wants you to.
