A growing sense of weariness is seeping into the Body of Christ, even in the most passionate intercessors who have stood firm in faith concerning God’s promises for our nation. For some who started this journey with immovable faith and hope, that hope seems to be dwindling at a rapid rate. Who could blame them? With unprecedented disappointments from fraudulent elections to extreme riots to hurricanes that have devastated cities – the temptation to become disillusioned and hopeless is very real.
But hope never dies a natural death. It dies of betrayals, disappointment, loss, and wounds. It dies of weariness. This nation and its people have endured a plethora of betrayals, and wounds. Consequently, the people standing on the front lines have become weary. Some have lost or are losing hope.
Daniel 7:25 tells us the time is coming when the devil will attempt to weary God’s people. One translation says he will oppress the people of God. I believe we are seeing this take place across our land. Many of my closest friends, who are strong in God, are experiencing extreme weariness. How do we combat it? Is there any hope?
Of course, there is hope! Our hope must remain firmly anchored in God and His Word, regardless of what we see, hear, and feel. However, we must also be keenly aware that hope begins to diminish when we fail to take time to replenish the source of our hope.
Psalm 42:5 says, why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation.
Several weeks ago, I began to experience this weariness that seems to be invading God’s people. I had endured many disappointments on a personal level. Beyond that, it appeared things in our wonderful nation were becoming continually worse. All these things were on my mind daily, and weariness began to seep in. As I sought the Lord, He impressed upon me to set apart thirty days and spend with Him and in His Word. Like many of you, I work daily so I knew this wouldn’t be easy, but it was obviously necessary. Apart from work, I cut everything else out. I did not watch television or get on social media. I did not go out and eat with friends and family. If I wasn’t at work, I was either listening to preaching/ teaching, praying, or reading my Bible. Those few short weeks were life changing to me. I am so thankful for that brief period of time. It brought great refreshing to my soul and my mind. My hope was restored, and my joy returned. Things that had previously stressed me, no longer had that power. It was awesome.
However, as I began to get back into the busyness of my daily routine, I noticed the weariness would try to come back. I knew my key was found in what I received during those thirty days. I quickly took inventory of my daily life and again found time to immerse myself more in reading God’s Word, listening to anointed teaching and spending time in prayer, praise, and worship. I kept myself in peace by keeping my mind stayed upon Him. Through this simple act, weariness has not returned, and a peace that passes understanding has continually saturated my life. It is so simple, yet also an important reminder for many of us.
While it is true the enemy attempts to weary God’s people – God has already given the antidote for this challenge. It is found in His Word and in spending intimate time with Him. It is when we keep our mind stayed upon God. It is in listening to Him more than we do the world and its media.
Have the cares of this world wearied you today? If so, remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30,
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest relief and ease and refreshment and [e]recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne. (Amp)
My friend, our hope is not dead, it is alive and well, for us, our family, our cities, and our nation. That hope is anchored in God alone and cannot be moved. Let’s get our eyes back on Him and return to a place of peace, hope and joy!
