Yesterday would have been a bad day to listen to the blues! My soul ached with a kind of weariness that defies description. A combination of things: leadership challenges that resist solutions, my Dad's critical illness, concern for various members of the congregation, disappointment with things and people, the ongoing battle with sin in myself and in the world of which I am a part, merged into a large weight on my weary soul! I was tempted to gripe! I was edgy and tempted to be angry with everyone in general and nobody in particular! My sinful nature kicked and screamed for attention. Such a state is 'natural' given what we understand about the Curse of sin as explained in Genesis. The choice of man made the creation subject to sin and God said "Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you." (Genesis 3:17-18, NIV)
However, as a Believer, a follower of the Second Adam, Jesus Christ, there is a new power at work in me that overcomes the Curse! The 'normal' Christian life will include struggle and from time to time, great weariness. After all we are living as 'aliens and strangers in this world.' The Word tells us to "endure hardship like a good soldier." We will be wearied by the battle from time to time. Jesus grew tired in His ministry and withdrew to find renewal. Paul spoke of his weariness saying that his work led him to places where he was "in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often." (2 Corinthians 11:27, NKJV)
But, we are no longer defeated by evil, nor are we slaves to sin, condemned to merely whistle bravely in the dark, hoping for the morning light. The Word reminds us that "By faith we have been made acceptable to God. And now, because of our Lord Jesus Christ, we live at peace with God. Christ has also introduced us to God’s undeserved kindness on which we take our stand. So we are happy, as we look forward to sharing in the glory of God. But that’s not all! We gladly suffer, because we know that suffering helps us to endure. And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope." (Romans 5:1-4, CEV)
In my weariness I made some choices yesterday that helped me to find renewal.
First, I knew I needed to unplug from life for a while. Bev and I got into my little Miata and drove into the hills of Pennsylvania. We talked and walked the streets of a quaint little town called Jim Thorpe. Changing the scenery, if only for a few hours, helped to recharge my batteries.
Second, I needed to worship my God for as St. Augustine said, "Thou movest us to delight in praising Thee; for Thou hast formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee." If we offer up a sacrifice of praise - which I did - thanking God for what He has done, for Who He is, for the promises He's made - our hearts are lifted up on the praises, our weary souls restored by the entry of the Spirit.
Third, I knew that I must raise my guard because temptation was present! A weary Believer is vulnerable. "Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master." (Genesis 4:7, NLT) Weariness can easily lead to unbelief, fear, and seeking relief in sins of the flesh.
Are you weary today? Take a break, if only for a few moments, and unplug. Turn your attention to the Lord. Don't let temptation take over.
"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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 40:30-31, NIV)
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Under His wings I am safely abiding,
Tho the night deepens and tempest are wild;
Still I can trust Him, I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me and I am His child.
Under His wings, under His wings
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.
Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort and there I am blest.
Under His wings, O what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide 'til life's trials are o'er!
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,
Resting in Jesus, I'm safe evermore.
Under His Wings
Ira Sankey © Public Domain
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