Walking with the Weary

Walking in the Land of the Weary 

It was not my finest moment. In the middle of a meeting I just blurted it out, as tears stung my eyes.

 “I’m weary.”

We were discussing all of the things that could be done, and should be done. A lot of the tasks were things that in the past I would have joyfully volunteered for. They were within my gifting-even what I would say is my calling.  They involved coordinating, facilitating or executing things that in the past would have been an easy “yes”. A joyful “yes” even. 

But, I’m weary. 

So weary, that on the way home the emotions could no longer be contained and leaked right out my eyes and down my cheeks.  The emotional, physical and spiritual exhaustion was so very real, my body could no longer contain it. The pressures of ministry, work, and life circumstances all converged at the same time.  

As I laid in bed that evening, letting my sobs grow silent and spilling out the bitterness in my heart to Jesus  he gently reminded me of the following: 

He was no stranger to my condition

The Bible recounts several times when Jesus was physically exhausted. In John 4, right before he meets the woman at the well, scripture tells us He was “...wearied from His journey…” (vs. 6, KJV) -a three day trip over hilly terrain.  In Mark 4, it tells us Jesus fell asleep on a boat in the middle of a strong storm after he had spent a whole day ministering and teaching to the crowds. He most likely was mentally exhausted from the tasks of the day. Rest was important. 

He prioritized solitude and prayer

Mark 1:35 “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.”  After that he went out into the towns to preach (vs.38) While rest was important to Him, he also knew that giving up some sleep in order to seek His Father’s face through prayer would provide strength, direction and a peace that He required to replenish himself before everything that living out his calling would draw from Him. 

So, tomorrow morning I will set the alarm a little earlier. Not to jump into the day, but to spend some time with the One who understands my heart. 

Psalm 16: 7-11

I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
    even at night my heart instructs me.
I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
    With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
    my body also will rest secure,
because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
    nor will you let your faithful[b] one see decay.

You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand.