Day 17 – God Hears
Weariness … when does it begin? How do we get ourselves in this state? It is when I am thoroughly absorbed with myself that I fail to remember what the Lord has taught me in His Word. I use to think back on my difficult circumstances and only recall the negative details. I would not try to recall the good that came out of that trial. I find that I am not alone in this. Why is that?
I truly believe it is because I did not praise God enough for bringing me through my difficulties. The Word says to be thankful in all things – that includes hardships as well as blessings.
The phrase, giving thanks appears five times in God’s Word. The number five reflects God’s grace. I find that interesting – we reap God’s grace when we give thanks to Him for all things in our lives – whether good or bad. It’s all in our attitude. I once heard a message called “The attitude of gratitude.” It surely does apply in today’s devotional.
~Ezra 3:11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
~Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
~Colossians 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
~Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
~Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Once I learned to thank God for everything that was happening to me, I became less absorbed with the details. I was able to rest in the Lord knowing that He was in control.
I remembered that God brought me through my previous difficulties and He would do it again. I would think of Him first as soon as I grew weary again. David is truly my mentor when it comes to growing weary as a Christian. David wasn’t exempt from weariness – in fact, he openly admitted it and wrote about it. As a writer, I find myself better able to cope with my weariness when I am able to put my thoughts on paper. It is as if the Lord speaks to me and walks me down the path.
~Psalm 6:6-9 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. (6) Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies. (7) Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping. ( 8 ) The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer. (9)
Weariness for a time
David’s bed was covered with tears – not just a few, but covered. I’ve been there, haven’t you? There doesn’t seem to be an answer to my problem. In fact, I know for a fact there isn’t an earthly solution. However, I know that God has the solution. It may not be the answer I want but it will be the solution I need. God’s solution may not even take away my problem. However, as I meditate in His Word, I come to realize that my Heavenly Father will give me the ability and energy to deal with my situation.
Our weariness has an end to it my friend if we allow the Lord to do the healing.
~Psalm 30:5b … weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
You’re Not Alone
The first thing I tend to do when I grow weary is to withdraw from the world. I tell myself that no one wants to be around sadness so I keep to myself. David felt this way, also, but he did the exact opposite.
~Psalm 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
Encouragement
When you are weary, dear friend, do not withdraw. That is exactly what the devil would have you to do. When you do, he can keep you in his grip. He can keep you down in the Slough of Despond, as Christian in Pilgrim’s Progress. The devil does not play fair. He knows how to create an ineffective Christian and that is to keep that Christian preoccupied with trials and tribulations. But the Lord has made us spiritually whole – He has given us eternal life. The Lord has given us victory over this, as long as we trust in Him and allow Him to be in control. We cannot sit idly by and wallow in self pity. We must arise as Aeneas did in the Book of Acts and make our bed.
~Acts 9:34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
Just as Jesus Christ made Aeneas whole, so does Christ make us whole spiritually. Just as Aeneas arose immediately and put action to his healing, so must we. We must put action to our spiritual walk. You cannot walk and be still… you must move forward. Move forward, dear Christian. When you are weary, thank the Lord for the circumstances in your life. Know that He will bring you through and give you just the right amount of grace you need to carry on. Keep going – Press forward!
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