Weary

There are many types of weariness.

One can weary of an occupation or chore.

There can be weariness of the body, a physical need to rest.

It could be weariness of social structure or the traditions of another generation.

As Americans we seem to grow weary as a culture and are always in search of the new.

Yet, those who follow Christ have His words to sustain and guide us, especially when we weary in those things which matter most.

We must not grow weary in prayer.

Luke 18:3-5 KJV — And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

Jesus told this story as an example of how we should always pray and not lose heart.

There are other examples.

Daniel’s perseverance in prayer us recorded in chapters 9 and 10.

Daniel 10:2-3 KJV — In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

When things don’t seem to be changing, or suffering increases, our hearts can grow weary of the effort.

But Daniel’s circumstance shows us we don’t see everything which is happening.

Daniel 10:12-13 KJV — Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

A battle had been raging over Daniel receiving the answer to his prayer.

God had answered, but it took days.

We too must remain vigilant in our prayers.

To continue to seek God’s face on behalf of ourselves, others, and the world.

To remain steadfast in seeking God and His will for our lives is a worthwhile and rewarding experience.

But the flesh is weak.

Therefore we must cling to God’s Word.

Galatians 6:9 NKJV — And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for the examples we find of those You have used who didn’t grow weary of doing good. Lord Jesus, please remind us to keep our eyes upon You. Please bring us to scripture we need for each day. Fill our hearts with Your Holy Spirit and lead us into Your paths. Thank You for everything You are doing on our behalf. Thank You for Your ceaseless love and unending work. May our hearts remain steadfast before You. Amen.

Breakfast in bed

It was after 7:30am.

The door soundlessly opened just enough for her to see.

“Yes, I’m awake, sweetheart.”

“I was worried, you normally don’t stay in bed this late. How are you feeling?”

-sigh-

“Not fantastic. I’m very tired today.”

“Then don’t worry! I’ll make you breakfast and I’ll clean the kitchen. I don’t need much help with school today, just Math. You can tell me what you want me to do to help Jase after breakfast.”

And off she went.

It wasn’t long before her promise was made good in serving me breakfast in bed.

I’m so thankful for her sweet generous heart.

I did get up and take my daily inhaler and my other meds.

I’m back in bed, surrendering my day before the Master.

Because I know His plans are best.

Yesterday, I felt amazing.

I had many responsibilities and was blessed to get them all done!

It was incredible.

For most of this week I’ve felt pretty miserable: migraines.

But, praise God, I’m migraine free.

Yet, my body is in need of rest and I have learned to obey.

My calendar is pretty open today.

It’s a perfect day for resting.

I’ve been repeating a verse all morning, when not listening to the Bible or praying.

2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV — And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

In my weakness, He is strong.

I praise God.

He is so faithful.

If I’d never been sick, I’d never have seen how awesome He truly is.

Praise the Lord!

Joy revived

I love this.

It’s from Heaton Park in Manchester.

I derive such pleasure from the beauties of nature as well as the man-made.

The out doors has always had a pull on my heart and I cherish the opportunities to sit and take it in.

Recently the Lord has been working in my heart in ways I’ve never experienced.

It had to do with my joy, or lack thereof.

I’d been blind to it, but for some time those who love me the most have noticed it and commented accordingly.

With my attention fixed upon each circumstance, each task, each change, each need, I had slowly grown hard and businesslike, for my day-to-day was filled to overflowing with “must be done“.

I was unaware.

Frankly, I was even unable to hear the concerns.

I listened to their words and would pray about it.

I’d even feel like I had a change.

Yet, I had to admit an ever increasing weariness of soul.

It was only recently with the Lord that I was able to see the weariness is the thing my loved ones are speaking of.

In the midst of life, I’d lost hold of deep resounding joy.

I had faith.

I had patience.

I had love.

But joy had gotten lost.

What brought it back?

What renewed my joy of living?

-disappointment-

I had discovered all my plans for the next two weeks were undone.

I had been looking forward to a break, to some vacation time, a chance to reward my kids with something out of the ordinary.

I was so disappointed.

I went to the Lord.

Let go.

“Of everything?! All my plans? How many things must I give up? What about…”

The list was long of reasons I shouldn’t have to let go.

Then the Lord went deeper.

Why does it matter? When did I tell you to make these plans?

-hmmm-

It wasn’t easy or fun, but I was able to see my plans and many of my ideals were futile, simply me trying to get life to look the way I thought it should.

“Lord, I’m sorry. I willingly give You every plan, desire, expectation, task, and opinion. Please help me to die to my own ideals and even to my own preferences so nothing will keep me from Your plans.”

I knew I never want to do anything just because I think it is best.

God alone knows what is best.

It’s been days.

I’ve been studying the Bible, relearning the verses about dieing to the old man so I can live new in Christ.

This morning, as I woke to the realization that my husband will be flying out tomorrow, that it’s still 2 weeks before our Bell is home, I have a large list of things which need to be accomplished…

I  smiled.

“It’s all in Your hands Lord.”

Then I hugged my hubby and realized,

my joy had been revived.

Deep joy which can not be put on or mimicked.

“Praise You, Father for taking me out of the weariness. Thank You for showing me how good it is to let go of what I think. Thank You for Your patience with my stubborn heart which wants things my own way. Thank You for teaching me that nothing in this life is worth holding tightly to but You. Thank You for reviving my joy, especially since I didn’t even realize it was missing. I praise Your name Jesus and I thank You for Your kindness and faithfulness! What would You have me do first this morning?”

Let’s write a blog…