Rest for the Weary

Weariness: temporary loss of strength and energy resulting from hard physical or mental work (Vocabulary.com)

Raise your hand if this describes you. My hand is raised high in the air! I have talked to so many people, recently, who have described the same feeling.

Believe me, you are not alone!

About 16 months ago, we started hearing about this deadly disease that was spreading throughout the world. There were so many unknowns sparking extreme fear. The fear was then fueled by isolation and dooms day reports everywhere we turned. Add to that racial unrest in the midst of a very heated presidential election. Weariness is inevitable after what we have walked through as a nation.

Now that we are coming out on the other side of it all, it is easy to get frustrated with the weariness that has ensued...at least it has been for me. I look back on the last 16 months and recognize that it wasn't easy but I was not this tired all the time in the midst of it all. But then I realize that the past 16 months have felt WAY longer than 16 months...seriously, how has it only been 16 months since this all started?!

I think of my husband who loves to run (I'm not sure what is wrong with him for enjoying this pastime but at least he provides me with an illustration to make a point). He tells me that the first mile or so is challenging but then by the second or third mile, he gets into a rhythm and eventually reaches a "runner's high". This is the moment when he's no longer thinking about how tired his legs are or how heavily he is breathing, he gets lost in his thoughts and trusts his body to get him home again. A few hours (or less) later, he finally feels what his body just endured and feels that physical exhaustion.

That's how I visualize what we all endured these past 16 months. The first month or two were challenging but then it became the new normal. We reached the "runner's high" and got lost in the motions of life. We were not thinking about the emotions that were exhausting us because that would have distracted us from making it through. Now the high has worn off as things slowly go back to normal and our body begins to realize all we endured. That's when weariness sets in...when we begin to relax and breathe normally again we feel all that mental and emotional exhaustion we didn't allow ourselves to feel in the moment.

You are not crazy and you certainly are not alone.

Now, look back at the definition of weariness...notice the first word {temporary}. This feeling does not have to and will not last forever! However, it will not just disappear on its own. We need to find rest...a rest that can only come from one place.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

- Matthew 11:28

Jesus makes it very simple for us. All we have to do is trust in Him and we will receive the rest we desire. I don't know about you but that brings me so much hope!

So if it is that easy, why are people (including you) still weary? I'm so glad you asked! Allow me to explain...

The answer to this question can be broken down into two parts:

1. Some people who are experiencing weariness and not finding rest believe in Jesus but do not trust in Him. There is a big difference! Believing that God exists and that He sent His one and only Son to die on the cross for our sins is the first step. This is a great first step and one that should be celebrated but to truly experience the freedom in Christ that Jesus offers us we cannot stop there. Even Satan knows that God exists and sent Jesus to live and die for us. To truly experience the gifts Jesus offers everybody, we must trust Him completely.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."

- Deuteronomy 6:5

2. Those who have taken the next step, and are learning to trust and love God with all that they are, will still experience weariness. God does not promise us that life will be easy when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior. What God does promise, is that we will never be alone. As long as we are living on this earth, we will experience trouble but trusting in God makes that trouble more bearable.

"'I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

- John 16:33

We are in the midst of an all-out war! God and Satan both want our hearts but only one can have them. We need to choose which side we are on. Every day is a battle for our souls.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." - Ephesians 6:12

Satan wants us to remain weary. When we are weary, we are more likely to give into the ways of the world. Satan offers us immediate pleasure but eternal misery. When we give into sin, this is what we are choosing. That is exactly what the enemy wants.

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

- Isaiah 40:31

It is never too late to put your hope in Jesus! He is waiting with His arms stretched wide, waiting for you to join Him. The choice is yours...you can remain weary by giving into the ways of this world, or you can choose to hope in God and be renewed. God's way is not always easy but it is much more rewarding!

As we re-enter the world, I encourage you to try God's way. Trust in Him and experience the freedom and peace that only He can offer you forever. There will always be something in this world that causes weariness because we live in a fallen world. But if you put your hope in Jesus, you will find there is hope and peace waiting for you.

Jesus, I pray for the person reading this post. I thank you for their life and for leading them here. You are already working within them because you love them. God, I pray they would find rest in Your arms. May they learn to trust in You with everything they are. May they break free from the weariness that is trying to control them. God, hold them tighter today and surround them with Your presence. Give them strength to overcome and perseverance to never give up. In Jesus' name, amen.