Battle Plan for the Weary Soul
“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.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul details the suffering he had endured as a servant of Christ: imprisoned, flogged, repeatedly exposed to death, beaten with rods, pelted with stones, shipwrecked three times, in danger from rivers, bandits, his fellow Jews, Gentiles, and false believers. He labored, went without sleep, suffered from lack of food and water, and spent many nights cold and naked (2 Corinthians 11:16-33).
Paul had every reason to feel weary, even broken. As he writes in verse 29, “Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?”
The Truth Is, We All Get Weary
Some moments in our lives are just plain hard – we’re exhausted, worn out, ready to give up. It could be many small battles wearing us down, or it could be something major like divorce, the loss of a loved one, financial hardship, the craziness of our country’s current state. The one thing these all have in common is their ability to overwhelm us with feelings of being beaten down, isolated, and defeated.
None of us is immune.
Even the those with the strongest faith can experience times of difficulty and feelings of deep despair. From time-to-time, nearly all of us face these battles of weariness and the overwhelming sense that we just can’t go on.
Regardless of how rough the seas are, we must always remember we have a choice of how we get through the storms in our life. Will we look to God for our refuge and rest, clinging to the hope He gives? Or will we allow the wind and waves to overtake us and pull us under?
Four Things to Remember When We’re Feeling Battle Weary
We are never alone. God is always with us – we are never truly alone. He promises to never leave us or to forsake us. He is with us during times of sadness, struggle, joy, and happiness. In Isaiah 41:10, the people of Israel complain to God how they are alone and in despair. God proclaims: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Know this – our feelings of isolation come from the enemy, not our Father. Be strong and be comforted that He is with us always and forever.
Put God first on your to do list. Make time for God. As we read in James 4:8, “Come near to God, and He will come near to you.” Spend time in His presence allowing Him to refresh and renew your spirit. Prioritize quiet time and rest in God daily. David implores us in Psalm 62:8: “All you people, trust in Him at all times! Pour out your hearts before Him! God is our refuge!” Be still and read His word for wisdom, discernment, and hope.
Prayer is always part of the answer. Pray deeply and consistently. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks.” Start with praise, giving thanks to God, and ask Him to lead you and comfort you. Be specific in what you pray, then surrender your battles to Him. Watch the burdens lift and see God work in your life!
Know God’s promises are true and believe. When we choose to believe in the power of God’s truth, despite how narrow our view might be or how burdensome our circumstances, we can rest in His promise and know He has plans to prosper us and not harm us, plans for a future filled with hope. As Jesus himself promised, “These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Reaching out your hand to God and allowing Him to carry you through the battles and restore your soul will get you through any crisis, no matter how difficult. Hold fast to HIS promises and don’t give up!
Make Your Battle Plan God’s Battle Plan
Are you feeling battle weary? Don’t be overcome by the difficulties surrounding you. Give up your battle plan with all the fear, worry, and struggling it brings and follow God’s plan instead.
Trust that His hand is in everything, even the battles. God brings us closer to Him during our most difficult times, calling us to believe that ultimately, He truly is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
When we embrace the peace, hope, and comfort He offers, we find renewed strength and resilience to fight against the weariness of the battles. After all, God is with us every single step.
May God continuously lead your path