Friday, October 8, 2010

Rest for the weary

Do you ever become weary of spirit?
Not necessarily physically tired - although that can play a part - but just weary of other things?
It's easy to get weary of housework and laundry - which has a way of piling up when neglected. But I think we also can become weary of routines, everyday job tasks and even volunteer responsibilities.
That's when I like to read some Scriptures that infuse me with a little energy and a much better outlook.
Those well-known verses are from Isaiah 4o: 28-31 and they read: "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired and weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
"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."
Now back up a verse.
Have you noticed what precedes this?
I didn't until today.
Verse 27 reads: "Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain O Israel, "My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God?"
When I read that I get the picture of people who are frustrated. They don't think God realizes how tired out, worn out, and put out they are.
I think we all can feel like that sometimes even though we know God is good and faithful and merciful.
So maybe that's when it's good to remember that the Lord does renew our strength and gives us power when we feel weak.
And taken advantage of.
And forgotten.
The Lord doesn't forget us and he's concerned about what concerns us.
As it says in 1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your cares upon him, because he cares for you."
Did you notice the word "all"?
I think it's important to talk to God and let him know what's bugging us - even though he already knows. There's something therapeutic about getting everything out in the open with God.
Then we need to listen and let him speak to our hearts.
That's not easy for me, mostly because I always have so much to say!
But I think that God refreshes and renews us by speaking to us through his word and through the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit.
He has a way of restoring a sagging spirit.

Blessings,

Tammy

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