Are You Battle Weary?
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
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 that wear 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 strongest in faith experience times of difficulty and feelings of deep despair. We all can 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 your refuge and rest and cling to the hope He gives? Or, will we allow the wind and waves to overtake us and pull us under?
Reaching out your hand to God and allowing Him to carry you through the battles and restore your soul will get your through any crisis, no matter how difficult. Hold fast to HIS promises and don’t give up!
Four Things to Remember When We’re Feeling Battle Weary
- We are not 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, 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 in that He is with you 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 the answer. Pray deeply and consistently. As Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks.” Start with praise, giving thanks to Him, and ask for the Lord 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)
Are you feeling battle weary, sisters and brothers? Don’t be overcome by difficulties that surround us. Let’s give up our battle plan with all of the fear, worry, and struggling that 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.
When we can 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.
Blessings in Christ
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