Weary

<<tired, fatigued>>

Physical exhaustion and sickness, spiritual attack, resisting the inner conviction of the Holy Spirit and the continual harassment of life’s situations are all things that cause us to feel worn out (Ps 32:3-5; Mk 1:30; Lk 18:5; 2 Cor 4:9). Discouragement, when you can’t see your dreams coming to fruition in spite of your best efforts and other setbacks, causes emotional exhaustion. As humans we will be buffeted in this life so learn to deal with issues that need to be addressed and claim the Lord’s promise to refresh the weary (Isa 40:29-31; Jer 31:25).

The Bible encourages us not to become tired of doing good for we will be bountifully rewarded, as our labour in the Lord is not in vain (1 Cor 15:58; Gal 6:9; 2 Thes 3:13). The good we are encouraged to do is the outworking of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control which are the opposite to the evil works of the flesh which happen without much effort (Gal 5:19-26). We need this exhortation to not grow weary in doing good because “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” and we can easily become exhausted and disheartened (Mk 14:38). We need to pace ourselves so we are not stretched in a multitude of directions with conflicting obligations that could destroy us. Maybe we must say ‘no’ even to worthwhile causes that would further drain our resources through over-commitment. Plan for periods of time-out to recharge your emotional, physical and spiritual batteries. Besides having adequate sleep, exercise, and nourishing food, focus your attention on Jesus and consider the opposition He endured, so you will not become weary and lose heart (Heb 12:2,3).

Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest (Mt 11:28-30). We need to recognise that He is the one who has started ‘a good work in us’ and will also ultimately bring it to completion (Phil 1:6). Do I accept His invitation or try to battle along

Be continually refreshed by Jesus

on my own? The key to Christianity is being obedient and closely connected to our life source, and understanding what are essential priorities and what can be deferred (Jn 10:10, 15:4). Are there times when I am over-extended to the detriment of my responsibilities and vulnerable to attack? What measures can I take to reduce some of this pressure?