Desk of Dennis Piller
Fearlessly Courageous
12 6 2023
When Tired become Weariness of the Soul
It’s easy to know we need to rest our bodies from the trials and challenges of life, mentally and physically. But there is a weariness that makes it to our very soul. Jesus tells us in Matt 11:28 to Come to him, to take his yoke, and we will find rest for our souls.”
Do you ever get tired of being strong? Or when you feel spiritually drained and defeated. Just tired of never having the luxury of giving up or the luxury of running away? Or leaving every responsibility behind? Each of us knows those times when we are just sick of trying. We can even get burned out on religion. But this is not a battle we are to fight alone and isolated. Jesus is clear in the scripture above. “Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Matthew 11:28-30 MSG
Gen George Patton said “Fatigue makes cowards of us all” After surviving this heart attack, I have learned that when your energy is low and/or your blood pressure is down, to drink more water and when these feelings and thoughts come in wanting you to give up, we need the water of God‘s word to bolster us…
to lift us when we are tired.
We do get tired, but I think being weary has much to do with your mindset or your heart-set spiritually. And what’s in your bucket reserve to draw strength from?
Jesus got tired and weary too. He went off daily for a quiet time. For many reasons to be with his father. But certainly, to marinate in god’s presence and the encouragement of god’s word, direction, and strength to walk in that purpose for that day. Not tomorrow but today. His was not the standard of the world’s shortcuts or the easy way out or giving up. It was an empowerment of purpose to rise up with the wings of eagles and not grow weary. Isaiah 40:29-31 I believe weary is deeper than tired. I think it speaks more of the spiritual side of life. It is truly a form of exhaustion in our souls. Everyone experiences spiritual weariness and I believe it’s part of growing up, part of growing into a deeper relationship with Christ. But if you persevere, if you press into the spirit side of your walk, you will discover that the Holy Spirit is always with you. When we press in we will come out stronger, closer to God, and growing in our faith. I believe it’s part of the Hope of our calling. He never promised to take it all away, but he promised to carry you until you get a larger glimpse of faith and hope and trust and love that will see you to the other side. Even the greatest heroes in the bible experienced fatigue and weariness.
How does this happen? When we stop trusting God to guide us, it can lead to Spiritual weariness. Habakkuk 3:18-19 MSG says “I’m singing joyful praise to God. I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. Counting on God’s Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I’m king of the mountain!”
Dyan and I took our Canines for Christ dogs to the funeral of a 16-year-old girl. It made me think of Mary Magdalen after seeing her friend and lord crucified. But the peace of his Holy Spirit comforted her like he did that Mom and Dad this last weekend.
Moses too knew the depth of weariness. Moses killed a man. He made a mistake just like we have. Some are incredibly serious and catastrophic. “But God” redeems our mistakes. Look at Numbers 11:13 NLT “Where am I supposed to get meat for all these people? They keep whining to me, saying, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ I can’t carry all these people by myself! The load is far too heavy! If this is how you intend to treat me, just go ahead and kill me. Do me a favor and spare me this misery!”
We can learn from each of the biblical stories that we can still call out to God from a place of physical and spiritual weariness. We learn isolation is dangerous by replacing God’s peace with these negative words, reactions, responses, and over-the-top emotions. Press in closer to God. He sees you. He cares for you. He is your Father. He is walking with you even though you feel alone. “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NLT
When we have come to the bottom of our logic and emotional buckets and we are spiritually drained of any strength, and we are questioning our very faith. I love what Philip Yancey said: “When there is no longer any opportunity for doubt, there is no opportunity for faith either.”
Pray: Live in God’s word: (If we are not in the word of God the tyranny of the urgent will rule).
Call your spiritual friends and mentors:
Praise God for the little precious things you still have in your life.
Look Up! John Ortberg’s once said, “Sometimes the most spiritual thing one can do is take a nap!”
Rest in Him. We don’t need to prove anything to God!
“So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time, we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit.” Galatians 6:9-10 MSG
Remember no matter what…His is a well that never runs dry. Even Christians experience a dry season or drought. Sometimes his call is as simple as an invitation to Retreat…Rest in God.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAiDJZ4cdfA
I have loved you Matt Henry
