“I will fully satisfy the needs of those who are weary and fully refresh the souls of those who are faint.” Jeremiah 31:25 NET

Weary and Faint

It’s early in the morning after a not-so-restful night, one of multiple in a row. Last evening I wasn’t very pleasant and everyone around me felt my exhaustion and the resulting shortness with them. Let’s just say it wasn’t pretty.

Our family has dealt with a lot the past several months and of necessity the majority of tasks and running around has fallen on me. There are areas where others could be more helpful, but for a variety of reasons aren’t and I find myself weary and resentful. There are friends and co-workers with issues I cannot begin to help with and that has left me feeling faint (as if melting with heat).

Crying out to the Lord this morning, He reminded me Who satisfies the needs of the weary and refreshes the souls who are faint. It’s not family members, co-workers or friends—it’s God. Though I feel crushed under the responsibilities on my shoulders right now, by His strength and might I am not. Though in my flesh I would fail this season in life, prayerfully by His Spirit I will not.

I need to remember we’re all feeling weary and faint. I also need to remember God’s promises: “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). When I am waiting (with expectant hope) on the Lord—trusting Him—then He will renew my strength to do what must be done without being fatigued or worn out.

Galatians 6:9 admonishes us not to grow weary while doing good. The NLT version of this is beautiful: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” I started to give up yesterday, but His mercies are new every morning and He is so faithful (Lamentations 3:22-23). God and I finally arrived at Matthew 11:28-30, so familiar yet seemingly forgotten: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Here, in the NASB, God lovingly shouted where my soul would find rest. Jesus will shoulder the bulk of my burdens if I will just share them with Him.

“Father, forgive us for the times we grow weary and faint while trying to carry the world’s burden on our shoulders. Help us give them up to Your Son. Thank You for Your promises of fully satisfying our needs and refreshing our souls. Amen.”