Life can be hard and we can become weary. One definition of weary is “exhausted in strength, endurance, vigor, or freshness.” Synonyms for weary are to be bored, exhausted, or fatigued. You may feel weary physically, emotionally, spiritually, or mentally. If we don’t deal with weariness and fatigue, it can lead to depression. Is there a way to rid our lives of weariness?
Jesus tells us, “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.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NASB) The Passion Translation of these verses says, “Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.”
Isaiah 30:15 (NASB) says, “In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength.” Acts 3:19 says, “Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”
Repentance is commonly defined as turning from our sins, which it is, but there is more to it. To repent means to change your mind, to have a fundamental transformation of our outlook on the world and ourselves, and a new way of loving others and God. When we read that in repentance and rest you will be saved, we must allow God’s Word to change the way we look at life and our circumstances. Look at them in the light of the awesomeness of our God and through the lens of His Word.
Isaiah 40:28-31 (NASB) says, “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.”
He is reaching out to us. He wants to bring rest and refreshment. As we wait on Him by spending time in His presence, He will give us strength. Isaiah 30:18 says, “Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him.” He’s longing to pour out His grace and strength on you. Turn to Him and you will find rest, refreshment, energy, and strength.
