He Knows We're Weary: And He Helps Us Walk

The Bible says a lot about being or becoming weary. One of the first persons that comes to my mind about weariness is Elijah. Many are familiar with what happened to him in 1 Kings 19. Elijah, through the power of God defeated the false prophets in 1 Kings 18. The Bible says that “Then the hand of the LORD came upon Elijah; and he girded up his loins and ran ahead of Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel” 1 Kings 18:46.

However, his situation and his emotions quickly changed. A threat from Jezebel was made and delivered to Elijah. He was on the clock! The queen’s goal was to kill him within the next 24-hours. It sounds like something out of a movie, but it was real life for God’s prophet. How would you respond to a threat like this? When was the last time any of us received any kind of threat, much less a threat on our lives? Elijah was now on the clock. When people are put on a clock or deadline, their blood pressure may rise. Their muscles may constrict with the added pressure. They may even begin to sweat! Rash decisions are often made. For Elijah, he was on high alert. “And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there, 1 Kings 19:3. The flight system kicked in. But the fight system shut down! He was now ready to die. “But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, ‘It is enough!’ Now, LORD take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!” 1 Kings 19:4. He was tired, alone, fearful, and no doubt weary! He was ready to give up. But here’s the good news. At the end of the chapter, we find Elijah continuing, moving forward by the strength of God, 1 Kings 19:19. The LORD had provided for him everything he needed.

Elijah is a great case study and reminder for us when we face burdens, difficulties, mental challenges, storms, and anything in life, that it’s still possible to keep moving forward. But not merely moving forward in an aimless manner but rather moving forward even closer to Jesus. Moving forward with a renewed sense of strength from our God. Moving forward not ignoring the pain or disappointment we’re experiencing, but knowing our Father will give us the strength we need to endure.

When you find you’re weary due to the conditions your facing, know the Holy Spirit has given us examples like Elijah who were able to endure, and plenty of words of encouragement to persevere through the weariness. Here are a few of them to put to memory and hide in your heart (Psalm 119:11), so you have ready access to meditate upon when storms come.

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:6-10

“For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin…” Hebrews 12:3-4 

As I read Hebrews 12 the day of writing this article (Tuesday) I felt really convicted. I have experienced moments that have caused me to become weary. But the Hebrew writer challenges my thinking in the following ways:

When I find myself weary, I need to immediately consider Jesus. I need to turn my thinking to Jesus and what He experienced in the flesh and also accomplished on the cross.

Weariness and discouragement are real and need to be taken seriously. They can become extremely dangerous for a Christian, especially when they become deeply rooted. It’s not enough to merely acknowledge them, action must be taken. Again, I need to shift my thinking and consider Jesus.

Everyone’s weariness is unique. With that said, I have not resisted to the point of shedding blood. Therefore, I’m given perspective as it pertains to what I’m facing as well.

You may find yourself discouraged and weary. Consider Elijah and what the LORD provided for him and what he’s able to provide for you. Consider other passages that speak on this subject. Consider other Christians who have endured and continued to walk with God.

Then continue to walk with God even in the weariness. He will give us the strength we need.

-              Benjamin Lee