How to Avoid a Weary Heart When Serving Others

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9

Life at times can cause us to feel a weariness of heart and spirit, a sadness that runs deep within our heart and soul. Our body aches with a fatigue that is much deeper than we could imagine. We press forward, striving to be noticed, to be loved and to be appreciated by those around us. It is for that reason, I wanted to delve into the emotional stumbling blocks that we may face in our life. During the last post, I began to explore some of the root causes of weariness of heart and spirit by pointing out that often this emotional fatigue comes as a result of our expectations. In the last post I began with our own expectations of ourselves. Today, I want to explore our expectations from others whom we serve and then Friday I want to discuss our expectations of God. Often, we falter or feel utterly dismayed because our expectations are not met; yet, it is our expectations that are faulty and need to be realigned. Continue reading “How to Avoid a Weary Heart When Serving Others”

How to Run This Marathon Called Life When Weary

 

Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV)

In the last writing we looked back over Hebrews 11, which has always been considered as Faith’s Hall of Fame. For me, I am comforted to know that none of these men or women were perfect. They didn’t always get it right; yet, they kept getting up and going again. Sometimes they stood very strong and at other times they stumbled along the path. For some their lives were surrounded by great and wondrous miracles; others, suffered great loss and persecution. All had times of great trials, sorrows, and struggles.

do-not-despair-compressor

 

Life is really tough at times. No matter how carefully we try to plan our lives; unexpected storms come and surround us. There are times along this journey that our body, spirit and heart are wearied and we just don’t know if we can go one more step. We look behind and see the broken pieces scattered along the path. We wonder how God could still love us. We have said things we wish could be taken back; but alas, it is too late.

Jesus prayed to the Father in John 17 as our Great High Priest.

Continue reading “How to Run This Marathon Called Life When Weary”

3 Truths of Hope to a Weary Heart

What an incredible weekend!! Saturday, I was exhausted and all the good intentions to clean house, do the yard, and work on editing quickly turned into resting, listening to sermons, and pretty much doing none of the planned activities. At first, I was a bit frustrated with myself; then, I realized God did command us to rest and He had shut down my brain for a day for a reason.  I too often do the same thing in my Christian life, I try to work to please God.  He usually has to shut me down for a day so I can refocus and let Him work through me.  Sunday, I posted a poem from the archives, went to 8 am service at The Crossing, sat with Lindsey a while, and then left to visit another church downtown. I had promised a friend I would visit; although, the friend wasn’t there when I arrived. At this second church, a lady made her way over and sat beside me. She had been widowed only a few months, the weight of which showed in her eyes. At moments, I could see the tears rise as she tried to hold them back. By the end of the service, I knew I had found a new friend and I would be returning to visit.  I have learned that there are no accidents or coincidences in my life; God, uses it all to accomplish His purpose in His timing.

God Knows

 

Then yesterday evening I met with a small group from my church. It was the initial meeting with this small group that I would be joining to study the bible with. When I had first received the invitation and noted that the group was couples, I had wondered why God chose a couples group since I have been alone for such a long time as a widow. I was a bit afraid that the awkward ache of “loneliness” would creep back in. It had been a long time since I had allowed myself to think that or to desire anything else beyond the quiet aloneness that I have with God. [bctt tweet=”Had my heart really been healed? Or would the scars of a broken heart rip open to bleed once more?”] I have yet to see for certain. Still, this I know.

Continue reading “3 Truths of Hope to a Weary Heart”