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Posted in: Overcoming

05.09.17 ( Jennifer Elrod )

5 Verses For When You Grow Wearly

I love writing blogs and sermons, because it becomes so evident that the Lord leads me to verses and messages that He knows I, or you - my readers, need to hear in that moment or season. Ask any pastor or writer and they’ll probably tell you the same. This week I have been praying and reading over five verses to encourage you; however, just yesterday, I found myself sitting at my desk feeling completely weary of myself. I quietly fought back tears through my sleep-deprived eyes, took a deep breath, and looked down to find my post-it notes of verses.

1) “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

Have you ever worked a thankless job? Customer service, teaching, and certainly being a mom are just a few examples. You work effortlessly, pouring out to others, serving, helping, teaching and often times you are met without a thank you. What is wonderful about these jobs is that most people who work them do not do them for the thank yous. They do them because they love what they do. The first thing you have to remember when you reach that down and weary moment: Do not ever give up in the good that you are doing. Also, a special thank you to all the moms and teachers out there. You’re amazing!

2) “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)

3) “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.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

When you reach that moment of exhaustion, you need to be still and to rest. We live in such a busy culture, surrounded by media and technology; and oftentimes, it only spurs on our anxiousness and restlessness. Whatever burdens we have or will have to carry are far less than what Christ endured. He already carried the burdens for us on the cross. So take a moment now and take a deep breath, pray, and rest in the fact that God has it all planned. His plans are always far greater than we could have ever imagined, even if it doesn't feel that way now.

4) “Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

The joy of the Lord is your strength. Every January, I choose a word or phase for the new year to help encourage me during the seasons of that upcoming year. Now, in 2017, my word of the year is Joy, paired with the phrase: Choose Joy! When I am weary, choosing joy in the moment is the hardest thing, but it also quickly pulls you out of the slump that you may feel that you are in. Also, I think it is so important that we take time for ourselves, through self care. Or, as Tom Haverford and Donna Meagle would say, “Treat Yo Self”. Once a week, I have date night with myself. I take myself to coffee or breakfast and I sit and read, pray, and do something nice for myself while reflecting on the things God is doing in my life. This time not only encourages me and my soul, but I have seen other friends begin to take better care of themselves in the process of watching me go from a weary state to a rejuvenated one.

5) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 6-7)

In the midst of feeling weary, pray. Pray out to God. It can be quiet, it can be loud, you can have tears rolling down your cheeks, but make your requests known. In that same prayer, give thanksgiving for all the things that God is doing in your life. There is nothing more humbling than listing out the many blessings He’s given you. This practice often takes me from a weary state to a thankful state. Oftentimes, as I am praying amidst a weary heart, peace does come. It doesn’t always come instantaneously, but it does come as I continue to pray and seek God.

So, dear friend, I hope you feel encouraged, and I leave you with this prayer:
Dear Lord, help me to be still amidst a weary soul and heart. Your plans are not always my plans, Your ways are not my ways. Help me to take a deep breath and acknowledge that You are working things out. Replenish my weary soul and please increase my trust in You and satisfy me with Your perfect presence. Amen.

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About the Author
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Jennifer has been a part of the ONE&ALL Community for over ten years. She has a Master of Arts in Management and currently works as a tax consultant. In her free time, she loves reading Colleen Hoover books, teaching about food justice & racial reconciliation, drinking really good coffee, writing Yelp reviews, and traveling. She loves to laugh, has a huge heart for serving others, and is obsessed with reality television.

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