By Rick Sentle

“Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”

I’ve been trying to work up my energy to write this article for a while, but with life’s distractions, it hasn’t been easy. There are times I feel like I’m knocking my head against a wall. I guess you could say I’m a little weary. This is something I think we all can relate to. There are many things that can make us weary. Dealing with health issues, family problems, loneliness, too many activities, work challenges or other things. I’m sure you can add to the list.

Weariness, by definition is extreme tiredness or fatigue. Or a reluctance to see or experience any more of something. (Have you tried watching the news lately?)

Trouble comes from many directions. It is nothing new, Old Testament New Testament; young or old — it touches all of us at some point. Troubles can wear us down. So what can we do?

What is it you seek in time of trouble- shelter, help, hope? Let’s look to God’s word.

Psalm 9:9-10: “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”

Psalm 46:1-3: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though it’s waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.“

Matthew 11:28: “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.” When Jesus says “Take my yoke upon you” He means be connected, supported, part of the team. He will help you to bear the load.

We get frustrated in our struggles when we see we can’t make it on our own. Remember, sometimes it’s important for us to “let go and let God”. Paul reminds us of this in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “His strength is made perfect in our weakness.” And Jesus declares “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Sometimes we just need to take a deep breath and lay it down. We are children of God. We have the comforter that Christ promised, the Holy Spirit. He lives in us and is our strength. Take heart from the words of Isaiah.

Isaiah 40:28-31 describes the resources we have in Him: “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.”

I’ll finish with some words from one of my favorite authors.

Quote from Max Lucado – The next time you find yourself alone in a dark alley facing the undeniables of life, don’t cover them with a blanket or ignore them with a nervous grin. Don’t turn up the tv and pretend they aren’t there. Instead stand still, whisper His name and listen. He is nearer than you think.

May your hope be in the Lord.