It’s Okay to be Weary
“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Ahh, the delicious smell of a new project. The tantalizing view of an empty canvas or word document, just waiting to be filled with all of your ideas, inspirations, and skills. That vague concept of a movie, that new piece of sound or filming equipment. That new opportunity that puts your God-given talents and abilities to the test. That moment when you feel like you are doing exactly what you need to be doing to glorify God!
Then a week passes and you still have that passion! Then another and another and you begin to settle into a routine — but are still passionate about the project. Then a month passes by, then two, then three, then on until you hit the moment. That darned moment when you look at this project and you wonder where all of that enthusiasm and passion went.
Perhaps you are even looking at your talents and abilities as whole and wondering what happened to all of that energy you used to have for it. Where did your love of this thing go?
First: It is okay to be weary.
We are finite in mind, body, and soul in a broken world that sometimes takes more energy out of us than we can replenish. Maybe there are extra stressors that are adding to our weariness, maybe we’ve being operating at 110% for too long and this is the inevitable crash. Maybe it’s nothing we have done, but a series of spiritual attacks on our talents, abilities, projects, or businesses. Whatever the cause, it is okay to be weary. There is no shame in it! Even Jesus was weary when He was here on this earth (John 4:6).
Second: You can find rest in the Lord.
Jesus was weary, which means that He fully well knows what it feels like. He knows that exhaustion from a long, toiling journey (trip or project) and that need to rest and recuperate. You can find rest in Him! Turn over all of your stresses to Him, letting them fully go to spend time with Him in prayer and meditation on His word.
Remember: it is no sin to be weary! You haven’t failed anyone or the task that God has given you. Take time for rest, to refresh and get back to the job He has at hand full of energy!
Putting it into Action: if you are currently feeling weary, take a moment and set everything aside. It doesn’t have to be long, you can schedule a longer break later. Five minutes is more than enough for now. Take those five minutes and pray, focusing your entire attention on our Father. Mentally set aside the projects, tell God about your worries and worn-out bones, thanking Him for the job He has set before you and for the fact that you can come to Him, with no shame, and tell Him that you are weary and in need of rest. Ask Him earnestly for the energy and rest to continue on and trust that He will give it to you!
