When You Are Weary

I’ve been listening attentively to the news these recent months. Our world sounds weary. And since the globe is made up of individuals – like you and me – I’m guessing you may feel some weariness, too. In addition to managing weariness of your personal life, you likely feel some fall-out from all that’s going on globally. When you are weary, may you be encouraged by today’s content.

Hope When You Are Weary

As we consider things happening in countries world-wide, it’s as if a gate of troubles has been opened. Individuals are caught up in it as world citizens. They still seek and value individual purpose and hope. But my guess is people also need renewal as we navigate these global times.

1 Chron. 29:15 says, “. . . Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.” That sounds discouraging. But isn’t it somewhat true? You think things might be turning a corner and getting better – and then the other shoe drops.

So, where is hope?

Let’s spend time with the need for hope in weary times – common to all people of all cultures.

Where Is Hope?

You and I are not the first to ask questions about the state of the world. We’re not alone in our quest for hope and peace. People have asked questions for centuries. Listen to one man’s questions. “What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What prospects, that I should be patient?” (Job 6:11).

That sounds dismal! Still, it reflects a common thread of human response during difficult global days. Even stout-hearted people wonder about enduring such times. Some may feel deep inner concern as they hear news updates. Some wonder if this stuff is our “new norm.” Others contemplate what it’s going to take to get back to normal. Wherever you are in response to difficult times, you can still have hope.

Scripture talks about the hope God gives His people. Here’s a wonderful verse from God’s Word!

A Great Scripture To Claim

Ps. 25:3 says, “No one who hopes in You will ever be put to shame.” This Scripture gives a clear directive and a solid promise. Think through this verse with 4 approaches:

1. Substitute your name for “no one.” Read the verse aloud with your name. You will hear that YOU can hope.
2. What should you hope in? This short verse pushes all hope toward God. That’s where you direct your hope – in God. You may have been doing this for decades. Keep doing it.
3. When you have done the above 2 things, you will never be put to shame. Though that may look contrary to your circumstances, it’s a direct promise from God. He doesn’t lie (like many who add despair to our world).
4. Perhaps you feel shamed. Let me suggest the following quick check.

A Hope Plan When You Feel Shame

When you feel shame:

• • Do a “short review“ of your heart to see if there is any sin to be confessed. If yes, confess it sincerely. If no, move to the next point.
  • Is there something you could do better next time in your circumstance? If yes, ask God for understanding and courage. If no, move to the next point.
  • Are others putting shame on you for obeying God? If yes, stand firm. And rejoice! If no, move to the next point.
  • Sometimes a person feels a “pseudo” kind of shame. If there is no root under your feeling, shake it off. Picture a wet dog coming out of a pond, shaking with all his might to get rid of wearisome water all over him. With all your might, shake off the shame in Jesus’ Name by faith!

An Opportunity

Sometimes weariness just invades. It’s like a war against you. Remember, you have a very real enemy who is also God’s enemy. Good news! That puts you on the winning side.

But, like so many situations in life, weariness provides a great opportunity.

1. First, it gives you practice identifying true threats versus deceptions. Claim Jas. 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Ask God for wisdom.
2. Second, weariness means you have weakness. That’s not a stroke against you. But it puts you in the place of receiving strength you need. 2 Cor. 12:10 says, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Fall into Christ.
3. Third, you have opportunity to train in resilience and resolve with Jesus in circumstances of weariness. Training involves these next faith steps:

• • Identify your weariness. Ps. 119:28 says, “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to Your Word.”
  • Turn to the Source of your strength and power. Is. 40:29 – “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” 
  • Pursue the rest promised to you. Mt. 11:28 – 29 says, “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 soul.” 

Down To The Last Dribble!

What if it seems you are down to the last dribble of hope? What can you do?

One man in the Bible has caught my attention. He suffered and had significant losses. So, we can identify with him when we become weary of life. But this man’s words grab me. They stabilize my perspective.  Here’s what he said, “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him.” (Job 13:15)

I think that’s called “stubborn faith.” It is definitely resolve. It’s stomping your foot and saying – “I’m not changing my mind!” And it’s believing God’s claims even when you can’t see the results or when you don’t understand His process. Knowing God is loving and good, you can train and practice resilience and resolve.

When you get down to your last dribble, Gal. 6:9 re-sets perspective. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” At the proper time.

Did you know you have God’s permission to be appropriately stubborn to never give up? This is how Jesus lived His life on earth. He is our Model, Friend, and Trainer.

Additional Kinds Of Weariness

Weariness can result from normal “wear and tear” of living in this world. Even when things are not discombobulated like they are currently, wear and tear brings on weariness.

There is a kind of weariness that is only remedied by rest and renewal. If you are very tired from seasons of life, why not ask God to provide a season of rest? Deep rest comes from God. Let Him decide what that provision looks like.

Sometimes a person becomes weary at the high drain of just staying alive. God has strongly promised to give direction and provision as you turn to Him. He is aware of your needs – and you are more valuable than many sparrows. (Mt. 10:31)

Jesus prepared His disciples for the reality of how hard life can get. But He couched this heads-up with a promise – “In this world you will have troubles. But don’t be afraid, for I have overcome the world.” (Jn. 16:33)

God is always offering help and hope. He intends to walk with you and knows how to address every detail while sharing both your joys and sorrows. Since God made people, He knows how to help His weary children.

Better Things

God wants “better things” for you. (Heb. 6:9) Better habits. Higher standards. Clearer goals. Careful plans. Passionate involvement. Renewed strength. Rest from weariness. He’s thought about all of this. If you focus on putting God’s interests above your own, even when you are down to a dribble, you will find He already has every interest of your life on His radar.

But “better things” also means “better trust.” Since your Father loves you and will take care of your interests, weary times provide your opportunity to make a powerful statement – that you love Him back. “Better things” come from “better faith” and “better obedience.” Even “better rest” flows from God’s kind and compassionate heart.

So, buckle up. There is hope when you are weary!

Application Questions and Thoughts

1. Are you weary?
2. Have you identified why you are weary?
3. What kind of weariness do you have?
4. Identify promises from this material you will take forward that speak to your heart.
5. What action steps that we talked about today will you put into practice?
6. How can you begin to graft instructive Scriptures from this content into your life?
7. Why not “come to [Jesus] when you are weary, and He will give you rest?” (Mt. 11:28)

Faith Series

You can enjoy articles/podcasts from our recent “Faith Series?” Lots of encouragement, help, and hope! Check out:

1. Ever Run Out Of Heroes?
2. Faith Jump
3. Fresh Faith For You
4. Grow Up In Faith – 4 Tips
5. Faith and Family
6. Who Can You Trust These Days?
7. True Story Of Faith

Visit our website for devotional materials, articles, podcasts, and resources to help grow your faith in God. Pursue noble character and an Alive and Active Life.