Weary: exhausted in strength, endurance, vigor or freshness. Mirriam-Webster

We all become weary. It hits us at once and sometimes out of nowhere. It envelopes us, like walking into a fog. We can feel it’s presence pushing in towards us.

Weariness is a daily occurrence for many. It is a constant companion. I remember feeling it when Dale was deployed for long periods of time. Waking up and putting my feet on the floor only to feel the heaviness of another day with small children. Sighing, trying to clear the weight, knowing that I would get through the days ahead of me.

Single Mothers feel this weight all the time. Caregivers feel the same heaviness. Widows experience this also. We all get weary. Weary of our jobs, our lives, our chores, our ministry. Sometimes we just feel tired and weary. It affects us all.

The Bible talks a lot about weariness. Jeremiah 31:25 says,“I’ll refresh tired bodies;  I’ll restore tired souls.” (The Message) Isaiah 40:29 says,“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.” (NLT) And finally, the one verse I go to when weariness strikes, Isaiah 61:3, “To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” (NKJV)

Lord God, touch those who are weary today. Where there is struggle in just breathing and taking a step, fill them with Your presence. Where hope has vanished, bring a glimmer back to them. Strengthen those who need a touch, heal those who are suffering. Encourage the downtrodden. Let them feel Your perfect presence in their lives giving them hope. Amen.