Do you feel tired and weary? Synonyms for “weary” are tired, exhausted,
fatigued, and overworked, which confirms the Biblical meaning. The Hebrew
word for “weary” is עָיֵף (ʿāyēp), which is also translated as “tired,” “exhausted,”
or “fatigued.” This word is often used to describe someone who is physically
drained, either from work or from illness.
I have been surprised about the fact that so many people claim to suffer from
“burnout.” That is a prime example of being physically, emotionally and
mentally exhausted, when we are truly weary. There is a remedy and solution
for “burnout.” Jesus desires that we come to Him when we are weary. He said in
Matt. 11:28-30 – “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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.” Another version summarises it as – I will refresh the weary
and satisfy the faint.
Jeremiah 31:25 confirms that He (God) gives strength to the weary and
increases the power of the weak.
Have you ever sat in nature and breathed in the fresh air while viewing the
beautiful scenery of mountains or valleys, forests, gorgeous summer views or
oceans and lakes in all their glory? Have you thought to give thanks to Abba for
His creation and the beauty that surrounds you? Perhaps you are in a sickbed or
in hospital and cannot get outside. Yet even there, God tells us from Isaiah
40:28-31 “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting
God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and
His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and
increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young
men stumble and fall; but those who HOPE IN THE LORD will renew their
strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary;
they will walk and not be faint.”
Here we have the recipe for tiredness, hopelessness and sheer exhaustion –
HOPE IN THE LORD! Infuse His strength into your being! Trust Him! Thank Him
for each blessing you can think of and allow His presence and peace to fill your
soul to overflowing gratitude and love. I had so-called “burnout” when I was
teaching and working 16 – 18 hours per day in a Mission school plus being a
lecturer at a Teacher’s Training College (at the same time) on a huge mission
many years ago. I had NO time to not work because, as a widow, I HAD to work
and support my children while also depending upon Jesus for our provision.
After 14 years; God intervened and helped me to move to a very different area,
where I still worked hard, but I could take time to swim in a lovely ocean’s large
tidal pool as the sun rose, three times per week. As I swam, I praised the Lord
and thanked Him for His loving mercies and abundant blessings which are newand fresh each morning.
I promise you that praise, physical and mental exercise
and gratitude bring immense relief to body, soul and spirit. Praise brings us into
the presence of Jesus which gives us rest, peace and contentment.
Blessed Abba Father, precious Lord Jesus and Holy Spirit, thank You that I am
never alone, that You give strength to me when I am weary or physically weak.
David confirmed in Psalm 23 that You are my Good Shepherd, therefore I shall
not want. You make me lie down in green pastures; and You lead me beside
quiet waters. You RESTORE MY SOUL and guide me in the paths of
righteousness for the sake of Your name. Even though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and
Your staff, they comfort me. I praise and worship, love and thank You! Amen
Myrtle Turunen