I’ve been meditating on Jesus’s prayer in John 17:16-17: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”

Being human on this earth can feel exhausting—honestly, I’m tired of being tired! Lately, I’ve been reflecting on moments when I was caught up rushing to meet endless expectations, juggling too much, and feeling crushed under an overwhelming heaviness. Over the past two years, I’ve come to a sobering realization: much of what I’ve been carrying was never mine to bear. I had been living under pressures I never stopped to question.

But God in His mercy, has been gently guiding me by His Spirit, helping me peel back the layers of my heart and mind. He’s teaching me to release the wrong perspectives and misinformation I’ve absorbed over the years. This journey has meant re-examining beliefs I once held as truths, releasing both self-imposed and external expectations, and learning to see myself as He sees me. Through His love, He’s healing the hurts and brokenness I’ve carried for 38 years and showing me what it means to truly surrender—completely and wholeheartedly.

People will fail and disappoint us. But God? He is always faithful. He never leaves nor forsakes us. He cares about every detail of our lives—those that fit with the “normal” processes of the world and those that don’t. He loves every part of us. EVERY PART.

Like trees whose leaves change with the seasons, our lives are meant to be transformed continuously (2 Corinthians 3:18). Through Jesus, we are transformed into the very image of God. Through the Spirit of God, we can flow in alignment with His will. He enables us to walk in the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

And here’s the beautiful part: as we receive these fruits, we get to share them with others. Trust God’s process. It’s not always easy. I’ve learned to walk through dark valleys with Him rather than run away from them or allow myself get stuck (Psalm 23). Instead of avoiding or suppressing or sinking into the unfavorable emotions, I am learning to live through them. I see now that these moments aerate my heart, keeping it open and free rather than heavy and stagnant.

One day I found myself wishing that those who raised me had taken the time to confront and heal their own brokenness. Perhaps it might have spared me some of the residual pain I’ve carried. But then, I realized they did the best they could with what they had and where they were. As I reflect, I see God’s faithfulness in my life—how He has clothed me each day with His steadfast love (Psalm 36:5) and His armor (Ephesians 6:10-18). This armor strengthens me to resist the enemy, stand firm in His truth, and walk a different and better path. By the power of His Holy Spirit, His glory is being unveiled in and through my life (2 Corinthians 3:18). While it has not been easy, I trust that by taking the time to navigate these emotions and experiences, I am creating space for the generation that comes after me to walk in freedom and live a different reality.

As I continue learning to release the burdens and expectations that are not mine to carry, I understand that I don’t have to perform or measure up to the world’s standards. By the power of His Holy Spirit, I can live fully, beyond myself, and love others from the depth of His love for me. He has blessed me with beautiful seeds and is teaching me to become a better gardener of these gifts.

His love and presence are everything. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18)

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Reflection and Prayer

Friend, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the weight of the world, take heart. There’s freedom in Christ to let go of what was never meant for you to carry. I declare this prayer from Ephesians 3:16-21:

“I’m asking God to give you a gift from the wealth of his glory. I pray that he would give you inner strength and power through his Spirit. Then Christ will live in you through faith. I also pray that love may be the ground into which you sink your roots and on which you have your foundation. This way, with all of God’s people you will be able to understand how wide, long, high, and deep his love is. You will know Christ’s love, which goes far beyond any knowledge. I am praying this so that you may be completely filled with God. Glory belongs to God, whose power is at work in us. By this power, he can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory belongs to God in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time and eternity! Amen.”

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Take time to sit quietly in His presence, spend some time in worship, meditate on His Word. Speak to God and ask Him to reveal the burdens you need to release. Trust His process for you, even in the hard places.

You are loved!

Love,

Uju

#NotoftheWorld
#DearUju