Weariness

Weariness

“Come to Me, all 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 comfortable, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:38-30 NASB

“Rest when you’re weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.” Ralph Marston

Some weariness is not ours to carry. Jesus promises rest and learning from His gentle and humble heart. How many of us have learned from a gentle and humble heart? Not many, or counselors would not be a growing profession! Books covering all kinds of life’s setbacks are everywhere.

Some weariness is from daily experiences such as work, commuting, paying bills, repairing appliances, and raising our children. Tedious work. I get tired looking at the list of responsibilities, but how fortunate am I to have the duties?

Another weariness experience is resentment, usually holding onto the past and living there. Time to live somewhere else. A place that is comfortable and light.

How about carrying what is not yours? Other people’s behaviors are not ours, though it sure seems like it when our heart is broken by their problems. It hurts to see others suffer, even by their own choice. Continuing prayer to release them to the Father is the best choice. He will help us even if we don’t understand. Many times we won’t.

Time for gratitude. Don’t wait to feel grateful.  Jesus promises to teach us with a gentle and humble heart. What a gift! It may come from a dear friend, counselor, book, or special class. It may come with a “peace that surpasses all understanding.” But it comes if we discipline ourselves with gratitude. I pray before I pay my bills thanking Him for providing enough to meet my needs and give to others. Have I ever run short? Yes. But peace comes and somehow, looking back, the bills were paid, and a bit extra to give to charity/church and a little extravagance like a movie or dinner with family or friends.

Musings

God cannot and will not lie. When He says He will give rest and teach with a gentle and humble heart, He will. We learn to do the same.

Prayer

Dear Father,

How weary Your Son must have been traveling through dusty deserts, cold nights, judgmental Pharisees, and faithless disciples! Yet, He was thankful and faithful. Please help us to do the same without depending on feelings. We know we’ll find peace and rest, especially if we’re thankful.

Amen.