Weariness.

Have we all felt that heavy, leaden weight of weariness?  That deep exhaustion that depletes all life and energy?  Not just a physical tiredness that results from a good day's work, but a weariness of soul that sucks hope from within.

Weariness can be so overwhelming that we can wish to crawl into our safe beds and never come out again to face our world.

Surviving the second year of a pandemic, we can lose the sense of hope for a normal world.  We can become so discouraged that we just shrug our shoulders and say "What's the point?  Why even try?"  

This morning I was spending my quiet time with the Lord, feeling tired physically because we have been up late and having lots of family fun for the holidays!  The verse of the day was Psalm 23:3a "He restores my soul."  I had to slow myself down, settle my thoughts and will my body to stop.  I could then meditate on the words of Scripture.  I realized I have been going hard for the past while.  Not just preparing for Christmas, or traveling for our ministry but "going hard" dealing with change, new roles, spiritual battles and personal pain!  Add to that the restrictions imposed by vaccine/no vaccine and navigating the realities of our cross-Canada ministry, I was feeling overwhelmed.  And weary.

What if nothing goes back to normal?  What if many around me continue to live in fear of the COVID-19 virus and all its variants?  What if I succumb to the fears around me and just want to hide?  The devil would love for me to give in to fear and make decisions based on others' opinions.  But both Walter and I have determined to base any and all decisions we make personally and for our ministry based on the truth, on God's Word.  We will seek the Lord to guide us clearly and not move forward on any decision unless we sense His leading and the peace that accompanies God's wisdom.  

We will carry on in 2022.

The news may burden us with statistics and the interviews may influence us with their narrative.  But God's Word will never fail us.  His truth will override any mere human perspective on a pandemic, on politics or anything else affecting life on earth.  When God promises that He is in control, I believe Him!  I have hope because God knows the future and He can override rulers, powers and human decisions by His authority.  I have nothing to fear except my own foolishness and weakness.  And even in that He give me grace: He forgives my foolishness and provides strength for my weakness.  

If you are feeling weary, look to the God of Heaven.  He has sent His Son to be our Rescuer.  He has sent the Holy Spirit to guide us and reside right within our weary soul!  May you experience His rest, His presence, His peace and His awesome power to overcome the weight of worry and fear.  

"He restores my soul."  Psalm 23:3a

"Come to me, all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11: 28