1 00:00:02,720 --> 00:00:03,520 Speaker 1: Life Audio. 2 00:00:05,160 --> 00:00:09,160 Speaker 2: Christmas is often called the most wonderful time of the year, 3 00:00:09,360 --> 00:00:13,240 Speaker 2: yet for many, it's also one of the most exhausting 4 00:00:13,840 --> 00:00:17,119 Speaker 2: times of the year. Between the polity to do list, 5 00:00:17,480 --> 00:00:23,320 Speaker 2: family obligations, and the weight of expectations both hours and others, 6 00:00:23,720 --> 00:00:28,440 Speaker 2: this season can leave us physically weary, emotionally drained, and 7 00:00:28,560 --> 00:00:33,479 Speaker 2: even spiritually depleted. If you're feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. 8 00:00:33,880 --> 00:00:38,800 Speaker 2: Today we're talking about how to release those expectations, embrace 9 00:00:39,120 --> 00:00:42,800 Speaker 2: true trust in Christ, and find renewal in Him. If 10 00:00:42,880 --> 00:00:48,240 Speaker 2: your soul feels weary, this conversation is especially for you. Today. 11 00:00:48,320 --> 00:00:51,480 Speaker 2: We're going to be talking about hope for the weary soul. 12 00:00:51,960 --> 00:00:54,800 Speaker 2: Welcome back to your hope filled perspective, where it's always 13 00:00:54,800 --> 00:00:58,280 Speaker 2: our goal to restore hope, renew minds, and empower our 14 00:00:58,360 --> 00:01:02,560 Speaker 2: listeners to live in your God given identity. We strive 15 00:01:02,680 --> 00:01:06,319 Speaker 2: to equip you with hope, help and encouragement based on 16 00:01:06,400 --> 00:01:09,320 Speaker 2: God's truth. I'm your host, doctor Michelle Bankson, and I'm 17 00:01:09,319 --> 00:01:13,440 Speaker 2: so glad you're joining us today. Let's start today's conversation 18 00:01:13,600 --> 00:01:18,480 Speaker 2: by recognizing the source of our weariness. It's no surprise 19 00:01:18,560 --> 00:01:22,440 Speaker 2: that Christmas can leave us feeling depleted, we put pressure 20 00:01:22,440 --> 00:01:27,640 Speaker 2: on ourselves to create the perfect holiday, perfect gifts, perfect decor, 21 00:01:27,959 --> 00:01:32,800 Speaker 2: perfect meals in table settings, and perfect gatherings. Social media 22 00:01:33,000 --> 00:01:36,919 Speaker 2: only adds to this burden, making it seem like everyone 23 00:01:37,000 --> 00:01:41,360 Speaker 2: else has it all together. But the truth is, exhaustion 24 00:01:41,840 --> 00:01:46,279 Speaker 2: isn't just about being physically tired. It's about the weight 25 00:01:46,600 --> 00:01:52,320 Speaker 2: that we carry in our hearts, disappointment, grief, unmet expectations, 26 00:01:52,640 --> 00:01:57,880 Speaker 2: and the struggle to meet everyone's needs, often while neglecting 27 00:01:58,200 --> 00:02:02,120 Speaker 2: our own. Jesus new we would experience this. That's why 28 00:02:02,160 --> 00:02:05,400 Speaker 2: in Matthew eleven twenty eight, he says, come to me 29 00:02:05,680 --> 00:02:09,720 Speaker 2: all who are weary and burdened, and I will give 30 00:02:09,760 --> 00:02:13,640 Speaker 2: you rest. He invites us to exchange our striving for 31 00:02:13,800 --> 00:02:18,280 Speaker 2: his peace. But that requires that we let go of 32 00:02:18,320 --> 00:02:22,320 Speaker 2: what we were never meant to carry in the first place. 33 00:02:22,600 --> 00:02:26,480 Speaker 2: You know, I think of the Christmas Carol line that says, 34 00:02:26,800 --> 00:02:32,079 Speaker 2: the weary world rejoices my friend. I know that frequently 35 00:02:32,320 --> 00:02:34,880 Speaker 2: when we get to that place where we're feeling weary, 36 00:02:35,440 --> 00:02:41,119 Speaker 2: it's hard to rejoice. Sometimes we lose our joy. If 37 00:02:41,200 --> 00:02:44,080 Speaker 2: you are feeling weary, I encourage you to take a 38 00:02:44,120 --> 00:02:48,160 Speaker 2: moment and ask yourself. What am I holding on to 39 00:02:48,639 --> 00:02:52,080 Speaker 2: that God never asked me to carry. Maybe it's the 40 00:02:52,680 --> 00:02:57,480 Speaker 2: expectation of making everyone else happy. Maybe it's the guilt 41 00:02:57,720 --> 00:03:01,000 Speaker 2: over what you can't do. Maybe it's the grief of 42 00:03:01,080 --> 00:03:05,080 Speaker 2: a loved one who isn't here this Christmas. Whatever it is, 43 00:03:05,400 --> 00:03:09,920 Speaker 2: the first step towards rest is recognizing what it is 44 00:03:10,000 --> 00:03:13,800 Speaker 2: that's making us weary and laying it at Jesus's feet. 45 00:03:14,120 --> 00:03:17,080 Speaker 2: We're going to take a brief break for our word 46 00:03:17,160 --> 00:03:20,720 Speaker 2: from our sponsor who allows you to hear programs like this. 47 00:03:21,040 --> 00:03:27,520 Speaker 2: When we return, we'll talk about releasing expectations and embracing rest. Yes, 48 00:03:28,040 --> 00:03:35,360 Speaker 2: even on Christmas. We'll be right back. Welcome back to 49 00:03:35,400 --> 00:03:39,200 Speaker 2: your hope field perspective, where today we are talking about 50 00:03:39,400 --> 00:03:42,800 Speaker 2: hope for the weary soul. I want to turn our 51 00:03:42,840 --> 00:03:48,360 Speaker 2: conversation to talking about how do we release expectations and 52 00:03:48,520 --> 00:03:52,760 Speaker 2: embrace rest. Christmas is a really busy time with annual 53 00:03:52,800 --> 00:03:58,040 Speaker 2: traditions and expectations. Others have expectations of us, We have 54 00:03:58,160 --> 00:04:03,840 Speaker 2: expectations of others, and we have expectations of ourselves. As 55 00:04:03,880 --> 00:04:07,960 Speaker 2: a result, sadly, it's a recipe for failure. Part of 56 00:04:08,000 --> 00:04:13,000 Speaker 2: the problem with expectations is that it's impossible to meet 57 00:04:13,400 --> 00:04:20,159 Speaker 2: unvoiced expectations and buy and large expectations are largely unvoiced. 58 00:04:20,480 --> 00:04:25,000 Speaker 2: Everyone's picture of the holiday varies. Some celebrate with family 59 00:04:25,040 --> 00:04:29,680 Speaker 2: on Christmas Eve, others celebrate on Christmas Day. Some families 60 00:04:29,800 --> 00:04:33,839 Speaker 2: draw names for gifts and possibly sent a monetary limit, 61 00:04:33,960 --> 00:04:38,919 Speaker 2: while other families give gifts to everyone. Some families only 62 00:04:39,440 --> 00:04:43,560 Speaker 2: want to focus on homemade gifts, where other families focus 63 00:04:43,600 --> 00:04:47,360 Speaker 2: on buying the perfect gift. Some families get up early 64 00:04:47,480 --> 00:04:50,520 Speaker 2: while others sleep late. So you see, Really, what I'm 65 00:04:50,520 --> 00:04:55,039 Speaker 2: getting at is that there's so much variability to the who, what, when, 66 00:04:55,400 --> 00:04:59,680 Speaker 2: and where of the celebration. There's so much variability as 67 00:04:59,720 --> 00:05:04,600 Speaker 2: there are are people celebrating. So how do we actually 68 00:05:05,040 --> 00:05:11,080 Speaker 2: release those expectations. It starts with shifting our perspective. The 69 00:05:11,120 --> 00:05:15,360 Speaker 2: world tells us Christmas is about performance, about how much 70 00:05:15,400 --> 00:05:18,680 Speaker 2: we do, how beautiful we make it, how much we give. 71 00:05:19,720 --> 00:05:25,840 Speaker 2: But God's word tells us something different. Christmas is about receiving, 72 00:05:26,279 --> 00:05:31,320 Speaker 2: receiving the greatest gift of all Jesus christ Luke ten 73 00:05:31,520 --> 00:05:35,279 Speaker 2: verses thirty eight to forty two tells the story of 74 00:05:35,320 --> 00:05:38,839 Speaker 2: two sisters, Mary and Martha, it goes like this. Now. 75 00:05:38,920 --> 00:05:42,080 Speaker 2: As they were traveling along, he entered a village and 76 00:05:42,120 --> 00:05:46,680 Speaker 2: a woman named Martha welcomed him, meaning Jesus, into her home. 77 00:05:46,800 --> 00:05:49,320 Speaker 2: She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at 78 00:05:49,360 --> 00:05:52,880 Speaker 2: the Lord's feed, listening to his every word. But Martha 79 00:05:53,040 --> 00:05:57,720 Speaker 2: was distracted with all the preparations some translations say all 80 00:05:57,839 --> 00:06:00,360 Speaker 2: she had to do. And she came up to him 81 00:06:00,680 --> 00:06:04,320 Speaker 2: and said, Lord, do you not care that my sister 82 00:06:04,400 --> 00:06:07,400 Speaker 2: has left me to do all the serving alone? Then 83 00:06:07,480 --> 00:06:11,080 Speaker 2: tell her to help me. But the Lord answered and 84 00:06:11,240 --> 00:06:16,360 Speaker 2: said to her, Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered 85 00:06:16,600 --> 00:06:20,920 Speaker 2: about so many things, but only one thing is necessary. 86 00:06:21,040 --> 00:06:24,640 Speaker 2: For Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not 87 00:06:25,160 --> 00:06:28,880 Speaker 2: be taken away from her. Now. Someone that when they 88 00:06:29,040 --> 00:06:34,280 Speaker 2: talk about this story, they imagine really Jesus chastising Martha. 89 00:06:34,360 --> 00:06:37,240 Speaker 2: But I think he said it with love and combation. 90 00:06:37,880 --> 00:06:42,039 Speaker 2: Jesus knew Martha's heart, and yet he also wanted to 91 00:06:42,120 --> 00:06:46,240 Speaker 2: teach her what was best. Martha was distracted by all 92 00:06:46,360 --> 00:06:52,000 Speaker 2: the preparations, while Mary sat at Jesus's feet simply being 93 00:06:52,320 --> 00:06:56,400 Speaker 2: with him. And what did Jesus say, Martha, Martha, you 94 00:06:56,440 --> 00:06:59,920 Speaker 2: are anxious and troubled by many things, but only one 95 00:07:00,240 --> 00:07:03,960 Speaker 2: thing is necessary. Does that ever sound like you? Because 96 00:07:04,160 --> 00:07:08,440 Speaker 2: I've certainly been guilty this season. Instead of being like Martha, 97 00:07:09,480 --> 00:07:12,880 Speaker 2: running from one thing to the next, trying to make 98 00:07:13,040 --> 00:07:19,160 Speaker 2: everything perfect and trying to meet a list of unspoken expectations, 99 00:07:19,320 --> 00:07:23,720 Speaker 2: what if we chose to be like Mary. What if 100 00:07:23,720 --> 00:07:26,320 Speaker 2: we sat at his feet, even in the middle of 101 00:07:26,360 --> 00:07:31,440 Speaker 2: the chaos, and let his presence be enough. One practical 102 00:07:31,480 --> 00:07:34,720 Speaker 2: way to do this is by setting boundaries. Say no 103 00:07:35,280 --> 00:07:38,840 Speaker 2: to the things that drain you, say yes to the 104 00:07:38,880 --> 00:07:42,800 Speaker 2: things that nourish your soul. You don't have to attend 105 00:07:43,040 --> 00:07:47,960 Speaker 2: every event, bake every type of cookie, or even create 106 00:07:48,000 --> 00:07:53,920 Speaker 2: a pinterest worthy Christmas. Choose rest, Choose Jesus, if this 107 00:07:54,000 --> 00:07:56,800 Speaker 2: is speaking to you today, I want to challenge you, 108 00:07:57,080 --> 00:08:01,560 Speaker 2: what is one expectation and you can let go of 109 00:08:01,840 --> 00:08:05,880 Speaker 2: this Christmas? Write it down, pray over it, and ask 110 00:08:05,920 --> 00:08:09,280 Speaker 2: God to help you. Just surrender it to him. We're 111 00:08:09,280 --> 00:08:11,680 Speaker 2: going to take a brief break for a word from 112 00:08:11,720 --> 00:08:15,160 Speaker 2: our sponsor, but when we'll return, we'll talk about finding 113 00:08:15,360 --> 00:08:21,280 Speaker 2: hope and renewal in Christ. We'll be right back. Welcome 114 00:08:21,320 --> 00:08:23,760 Speaker 2: back to your hope field perspective. Where Today we're talking 115 00:08:23,800 --> 00:08:26,640 Speaker 2: about hope for the weary soul, and now I want 116 00:08:26,680 --> 00:08:31,240 Speaker 2: to turn our conversation to finding renewal in Christ. Before 117 00:08:31,280 --> 00:08:34,760 Speaker 2: the break, we talked about the importance of releasing expectations. 118 00:08:35,120 --> 00:08:39,760 Speaker 2: But releasing expectations is only part of the equation. True 119 00:08:39,800 --> 00:08:45,840 Speaker 2: renewal comes when we replace striving with abiding. John fifteen, 120 00:08:46,000 --> 00:08:49,120 Speaker 2: verse four says abide in me and I in you. 121 00:08:49,800 --> 00:08:53,960 Speaker 2: When we stay connected to Jesus, he renews our stream. 122 00:08:54,640 --> 00:08:57,200 Speaker 2: One way to abide in Him this Christmas is by 123 00:08:57,320 --> 00:09:00,360 Speaker 2: spending time in His word, even if it's just a 124 00:09:00,360 --> 00:09:04,280 Speaker 2: few minutes a day. Let scripture be your source of renewal, 125 00:09:04,840 --> 00:09:08,040 Speaker 2: as they have forty. Verse thirty one reminds us those 126 00:09:08,160 --> 00:09:11,600 Speaker 2: who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They 127 00:09:11,640 --> 00:09:15,440 Speaker 2: will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and 128 00:09:15,720 --> 00:09:20,200 Speaker 2: not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. When 129 00:09:20,200 --> 00:09:23,920 Speaker 2: we take time to be with God, he refreshes our 130 00:09:24,000 --> 00:09:28,800 Speaker 2: weary souls. You might also consider reading through the Christmas 131 00:09:28,800 --> 00:09:32,280 Speaker 2: Story from Matthew one or Luke chapters one and two. 132 00:09:32,480 --> 00:09:35,680 Speaker 2: Maybe read it by candlelight or sitting under the lights 133 00:09:35,840 --> 00:09:38,520 Speaker 2: of the Christmas tree, but soak it in as you 134 00:09:38,640 --> 00:09:45,200 Speaker 2: remember why we're celebrating this season. Another way is through worship. 135 00:09:45,480 --> 00:09:49,160 Speaker 2: Play worship music. Why you wrap presence or cook dinner. 136 00:09:49,400 --> 00:09:55,160 Speaker 2: Let praise shift your focus from stress to surrender. Remember, friend, 137 00:09:55,440 --> 00:10:00,000 Speaker 2: Christmas isn't about what we do. It's about what's all 138 00:10:00,160 --> 00:10:03,640 Speaker 2: already been done for us through Christ. I want to 139 00:10:03,800 --> 00:10:07,200 Speaker 2: encourage you. No matter how much is on your plate, 140 00:10:07,760 --> 00:10:10,720 Speaker 2: you don't have to carry it alone. Jesus came to 141 00:10:10,800 --> 00:10:14,960 Speaker 2: bring us peace, not pressure. So this Christmas, let's step 142 00:10:14,960 --> 00:10:19,040 Speaker 2: out of striving and step into his rest. If today's 143 00:10:19,120 --> 00:10:22,600 Speaker 2: episode encouraged you, would you take a moment and share 144 00:10:22,640 --> 00:10:25,400 Speaker 2: it with a friend. And if you haven't already, be 145 00:10:25,520 --> 00:10:28,960 Speaker 2: sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of 146 00:10:29,000 --> 00:10:33,040 Speaker 2: your hope filled perspective. Let me pray for you, Heavenly Father, 147 00:10:33,400 --> 00:10:36,520 Speaker 2: we come before you, weary. We know that you are 148 00:10:36,559 --> 00:10:39,719 Speaker 2: a source of strength. Help us release the burdens we 149 00:10:39,720 --> 00:10:42,800 Speaker 2: were never meant to carry and rest in your peace. 150 00:10:43,280 --> 00:10:47,079 Speaker 2: Teach us to abidon you to embrace your presence above 151 00:10:47,200 --> 00:10:50,880 Speaker 2: all else, and to find renewal in your love. Thank 152 00:10:50,880 --> 00:10:53,840 Speaker 2: you for the gift of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. 153 00:10:54,200 --> 00:10:57,680 Speaker 2: In his name, we pray, Amen, Friend, It's my prayer 154 00:10:57,679 --> 00:11:00,760 Speaker 2: for you, that you have a hope filled Christmas, that 155 00:11:00,800 --> 00:11:04,840 Speaker 2: you experience His peace, his joy, his comfort, and that 156 00:11:05,200 --> 00:11:08,319 Speaker 2: as you lean on him he will give you strength 157 00:11:08,559 --> 00:11:11,720 Speaker 2: in place for your weariness. I'm looking forward to being 158 00:11:11,760 --> 00:11:15,400 Speaker 2: with you again next week for another biblically based hope 159 00:11:15,440 --> 00:11:19,040 Speaker 2: filled perspective, But until then, may you walk in His 160 00:11:19,200 --> 00:11:22,400 Speaker 2: peace and live with His hope. My prayer for you 161 00:11:22,880 --> 00:11:25,199 Speaker 2: is that you have a hope filled. 162 00:11:25,000 --> 00:11:31,160 Speaker 1: Weak Depression is now a worldwide epidemic. One in four 163 00:11:31,200 --> 00:11:34,559 Speaker 1: adults will struggle at some point in their lifetime. If 164 00:11:34,559 --> 00:11:37,560 Speaker 1: you haven't struggled through the pitif depression, you know someone 165 00:11:37,600 --> 00:11:41,600 Speaker 1: who has. Very Few biblically based resources exist which are 166 00:11:41,640 --> 00:11:46,439 Speaker 1: written from a doctor's clinical expertise, Biblical knowledge, and personal experience, 167 00:11:46,880 --> 00:11:50,360 Speaker 1: but now there does. Doctor Bankson has written the award 168 00:11:50,400 --> 00:11:54,000 Speaker 1: winning Hope Prevails fible study, Insights from a doctor's personal 169 00:11:54,080 --> 00:11:57,920 Speaker 1: journey through depression. This study serves either as a standalone 170 00:11:57,920 --> 00:12:00,680 Speaker 1: study that can be used either by d viduals or 171 00:12:00,679 --> 00:12:03,960 Speaker 1: in a smaller group format, or it makes a perfect 172 00:12:03,960 --> 00:12:07,960 Speaker 1: compliment to doctor Benkson's award winning book Who Prevails, Insights 173 00:12:07,960 --> 00:12:11,760 Speaker 1: from a doctor's personal journey through depression. Take this journey 174 00:12:11,840 --> 00:12:15,240 Speaker 1: through the author's experience in scripture to learn you are 175 00:12:15,280 --> 00:12:18,599 Speaker 1: not alone. Depression is common and it is not shameful. 176 00:12:19,000 --> 00:12:25,520 Speaker 1: Discover chemical, genetic, secondary, reactionary, and spiritual contributors to depression. 177 00:12:25,960 --> 00:12:29,960 Speaker 1: Realized depression does not determine your worth, dictate your destiny, 178 00:12:30,559 --> 00:12:33,280 Speaker 1: or separate you from the love of God. And fight 179 00:12:33,400 --> 00:12:36,720 Speaker 1: back against the enemy's tactics that would steal your joy 180 00:12:36,840 --> 00:12:41,040 Speaker 1: and peace. In this Bible study, doctor Bankson's personal experiences 181 00:12:41,080 --> 00:12:48,079 Speaker 1: are interwoven with questions for reflection, key thoughts, music playlists, suggestions, resources, 182 00:12:48,280 --> 00:12:51,559 Speaker 1: plus a leader's guide. One reader said, the Hope Prevails 183 00:12:51,559 --> 00:12:56,160 Speaker 1: Bible Study provides authentic connections, raw insights, and powerful truths. 184 00:12:56,840 --> 00:12:59,719 Speaker 1: It is a great resource for individuals that would be 185 00:12:59,760 --> 00:13:03,920 Speaker 1: highly beneficial for both church and counseling groups. The Hope 186 00:13:03,920 --> 00:13:08,439 Speaker 1: Prevail's Bible Study is available on doctor Bankson's website, Amazon, 187 00:13:08,760 --> 00:13:18,400 Speaker 1: or wherever books are sold. Thank you for joining doctor 188 00:13:18,440 --> 00:13:21,840 Speaker 1: Bankson for your hope build perspective. We hope you are 189 00:13:21,920 --> 00:13:26,840 Speaker 1: encouraged by her authenticity, vulnerability, and biblical truths. If you 190 00:13:26,960 --> 00:13:30,319 Speaker 1: enjoy today's conversation, when you take a moment right now, 191 00:13:30,720 --> 00:13:33,520 Speaker 1: open up your podcast app and look for the subscribe 192 00:13:33,520 --> 00:13:36,840 Speaker 1: button right next to our podcast profile image. We think 193 00:13:36,840 --> 00:13:39,600 Speaker 1: this podcast is best enjoyed with friends, so tell a 194 00:13:39,600 --> 00:13:42,680 Speaker 1: friend and click share in your podcast app and send 195 00:13:42,679 --> 00:13:45,719 Speaker 1: a friend or link to share Hope with them. If 196 00:13:45,720 --> 00:13:48,440 Speaker 1: you have a comment, question, or suggest a topic for 197 00:13:48,480 --> 00:13:51,440 Speaker 1: a future show, reach out to our staff at info 198 00:13:51,760 --> 00:13:55,920 Speaker 1: at Hope Prevails dot org for additional resources. Information about 199 00:13:55,920 --> 00:13:59,880 Speaker 1: doctor Bankson's books where free downloads, or to contact her 200 00:14:00,120 --> 00:14:03,599 Speaker 1: to speak at your next event, Please visit doctor Mishelbe 201 00:14:03,960 --> 00:14:07,080 Speaker 1: dot com. Until next time, May you have a Hope 202 00:14:07,320 --> 00:14:08,280 Speaker 1: billed week. 203 00:14:11,320 --> 00:14:13,760 Speaker 2: I'd like to take just a second to thank the 204 00:14:13,800 --> 00:14:16,679 Speaker 2: team at Life Audio for their partnership with us on 205 00:14:16,760 --> 00:14:19,720 Speaker 2: this podcast. If you go to lifeaudio dot com, you'll 206 00:14:19,720 --> 00:14:23,440 Speaker 2: find dozens of other faith centered podcasts in their network. 207 00:14:23,560 --> 00:14:27,320 Speaker 2: They've got shows about prayer, Bible study, parenting, and more.