Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven. - 1 Corinthians 15:49
Being a man of dust weighs heavy on me these past few weeks. My work may not require the sweat of my brow but it has produced stress and weariness just the same. Stress to the extent it affects my sleep and appetite. It causes weariness such that I lose my basic mental faculties and waste time at work trying to remember what I am doing.
Bearing the image of the man of dust feels more like a burden than an identification. But it is both. Because we are identified with the man of dust, we bear the burden of sin introduced through this man of dust.
So through actual pressures and the sin of self-importance and anxiety, these last few weeks have been some of the most trying. What makes this more unbearable is, I have ignored the man of heaven. Sunrise to sunset, I spend my days surviving in my own strength. The words of Christ, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” sit in the back of my mind like a once cherished toy now collecting dust. I soldier on in my strength and what has it gotten me. A racing heart, the inability to catch my breath, and an increasing number of grey hairs.
This may sound strange, but I think Christ is allowing this to continue because of his mercy. This is not a new struggle for me. I take on more than I should at home and at work in attempts to impress and to feel needed. I know Jesus doesn’t want me to harm myself but I think he is letting me hit the end of myself. At that end, I will see the feebleness of my efforts and see the joy and satisfaction of going to Christ when I’m weary. He is the only one who can give true rest.
Knowing I bear the image of the man of heaven also, brings me comfort. It reminds me that these struggles are temporary. They may seem overwhelming but they will pass. I can have rest in the midst of them if I will just surrender. And ultimately, one day all trials and weariness will pass away and we will completely and perfectly bear the image of the man of heaven.
Do you struggle with weariness and finding rest? How has Christ taught you in those time of emptiness?