“We can be tired, weary and emotionally distraught, but after spending time alone with God, we find that He injects into our bodies energy, power and strength” Charles Stanley This lesson is Jesus’ Invitation to the Weary“.
Questions for discussion are:
- What does it mean that someone is weary?
- What does Jesus say to the weary?
- What does God do for the weary?
- How do I stop feeling weary?
What does it mean to be weary?
Weary: exhausted in strength, endurance, vigor or freshness. Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
Matthew 11:28-29 NIV
“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.
“Jesus is not talking about physical rest, necessarily. The following verse will describe it as rest for the soul.” bibleref.com
When we become weary, it’s more than tired. We are so tired we are emotionally drained. At times, when we are suffering with loss in our life, we can’t seem to escape.
What does Jesus say to the weary?
- “Come unto me.“
This verse is an invitation to the lost but also Christians who are seeking rest in Jesus Christ.
“While there must be this initial coming to Jesus for salvation rest, by way of application, there is yet a need for every saint to daily “Come” and allow the Spirit of Christ to grow us in grace and Christlikeness.” preceptaustin.com
- “Take my yoke upon you and learn of me,”
Jesus is saying to trust and submit to HIm, live His way. Listening to Him, you will learn the ways of God the Father and your life will be transformed.
- “for I am gentle and humble in heart,”
The word “yoke” can have a negative connotation. In the instance of Jesus’ “yoke”, it’s not a burden but a help for us to live a wonderful life. He leads with a gentle hand and is there for our good.
- “You will find rest for your soul“.
There’s the answer we’re looking for. REST from our weariness! No one else can make that promise and fulfill it.
What does God do for the weary?
Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV
"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."
God gives strength to the weary
We need to overcome the lack of physical strength to help our emotional needs. God gives us that along with the power which enables us to do what we need to do in spite of how we feel.
2 Corinthians 12:12 NIV
"That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Paul acknowledges that his true strength comes through when he is weak. That strength is Jesus Christ.
God gives us a chance to replace our feelings of weariness with freedom to run and not faint. All we need to do, is humble ourselves to the strength of the Father.
Biblical example of Elijah’s weariness
Elijah killed the prophets of Baal. Jezebel was furious and threathen to kill Elijah. He became frighten and ran into the wilderness, He prayed to the Lord,
1 Kings 19:4b
"I have had enough, Lord," he said. "Take my life: I am no better than my ancesstors." Then He lay down under the bush and fell asleep.
Why Elijah became afraid after the Lord had empowered him to kill the prophets is unknown. He had become weary of everything and wanted to give up. He acknowledge his weakness to God.
Instead of giving him his request, God sent an angel to refresh him with food and water. He rested again. The angel awoke him the second time and He ate again.
He was able to travel forty days and nights until He reached Horeb, the mountain of God. There God gave him the answer to his fear.
Elijah was weary physically, mentally and spiritually First the Lord strengthened him physically and then supplied the power to overcome his enemies.
How do I stop feeling weary?
Psalm 119:28 NIV
“My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.”
- Acknowledge you need His help.
- Praise Him for who He is
- Thank Him for what He has done for you in the past
- Tell Him how you feel
- Let Him speak to you
- Thank Him for His help
- Read scripture and listen to what He says.
- Counsel with your pastor
Ephesians 6:10 NIV
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”
Where do we gain strength? In God’s power, We can only be strong when we are depending on the Lord. This is especially true when we are suffering and are not capable of doing ourself.
Psalm 73:26 NIV
"My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever."
Conclusion
To gain strength when we are weary, we need to come first to Jesus for His gift of salvation. Accept what He has done for everyone. It’s free.
- What does it mean that someone is weary? Weary: exhausted in strength, endurance.
- What does Jesus say to the weary? “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
- What does God do for the weary? “He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak. - How do I stop feeling weary? Seek His help in prayer and then read His Word.
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