3 Thoughts for Your Weary Soul

Many of us might not readily admit it, but the demands of life can often leave us exhausted, both physically and emotionally. I’ve felt this way more times than I can count, and struggle with weariness. Truthfully, a lot of it is my fault. I heap pressure upon pressure on myself, and end up with a load I cannot bear. Have you ever felt the same way? 

Do you ever feel like the list of things you need to accomplish is longer than you’ll ever have time for? Do you ever feel like your value is determined on how much you produce or achieve? Have you ever wanted to push “pause” on life for a few weeks, in order to rest?

My dear reader – I have three thoughts I’d like to whisper into your weary soul today! I’m right beside you, reminding myself of these things.

1. Press into Grace

Just a little reminder that life doesn’t depend on you or me. But we often act as if it does. I’m certainly guilty of striving like a mad woman, fooling myself into thinking that my hard work will earn more favor with the Lord. 

As Christians, we should work hard, and for God’s glory, but we should work with the knowledge that we’re not ultimately in control. We’re partnering with the Lord, but the ultimate burden doesn’t rest on our shoulders, it rests on His.

One of the most important things to remember is that we’re under the banner of grace. We don’t have to do anything for the Lord to love us anymore than He already does. He loves us simply because we’re His children. Nothing we do or fail to do can ever change His love for us. (See Romans 8:35-39) In fact, Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 that “God’s grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” He goes on to say that he would rather boast about his weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in him. Rest in God’s grace.

“When I am weak then am I strong, Grace is my shield and Christ my Song.” – Charles Spurgeon

2. Be Still

Many times, the best thing we can do for ourselves is to simply slow down! Easy advice to give, but difficult to actually follow. Awhile ago, I wrote a post called On Stillness and Sabbath, where I shared my vision for quieting my life and observing the rhythm of Sabbath.

“Rest time is not waste time. It is economy to gather fresh strength. It is wisdom to take occasional furlough. In the long run, we shall do more by sometimes doing less.” – Charles Spurgeon

If I’m honest, resting often feels like I’m wasting time. When I slow down,  I often feel guilty, because I should be working and producing. Resting is hard for me, but I’m learning to obey God’s command to be still. I love the way the New American Standard Bible translates Psalm 46:10 – “Cease striving and know that I am God.” Oh how often we need that reminder to be still, simply rest in God’s presence.

A few practical things that help me to slow down and be still –

• Get up a bit earlier in the morning, and take time to quiet my soul.
  • The morning is when I spend the most time in prayer. Re-centering my soul in God’s presence is one of the best things I do on a daily basis.
• Go for a walk (without music).
  • There’s something about being out in nature that helps calm my spirit.
• Journal.
  • I love the process of writing in my journal! It requires all my attention, and really helps me to slow down and think about what I’m feeling.

Dear one – as you quiet your soul, remind yourself of what you know to be true. Press into the promises of God. Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, one of the most helpful things I can do is get alone in a quite space, and fill my mind and my heart with God’s word. Below are a few of my favorite verse that remind me where my help truly comes from.

• “May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion!” – Psalm 20:2
• “Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” – Psalm 33:20
• “O Israel, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield.” – Psalm 115:9
• “I lift my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”- Psalm 121:1–2

I’ll leave you with the lyrics to one of my favorite songs – Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul.

Dear refuge of my weary soul,
On Thee, when sorrows rise
On Thee, when waves of trouble roll,
My fainting hope relies
To Thee I tell each rising grief,
For Thou alone canst heal
Thy Word can bring a sweet relief,
For every pain I feel