Finding Spiritual Refreshment in Weariness

Our daily grind can wear us down. Whether we manage a family, a classroom, a community, a business, or all the above, weariness can leave us feeling physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally drained.

But weariness doesn’t have to mean the end of the journey. Weariness is just another challenge we need to overcome.

My sister and I participated in a Guelph Symphony Orchestra’s 5k run a few years ago. Although we became wearied, the GSO organizers had set up refreshment stations along the path. Water was available to quench our thirst while symphony music refreshed our spirits. And the cheering spectators helped renew our resilience as we ran past.

If we struggle with fatigue and weariness, we can set up our own spiritual refreshment stations along our path.

First, we need water. But not just any water. Our race is long and hard, and we need water to keep us going for the long haul.

Jesus, tired from his journey, sat by the well in Sychar, Samaria. A woman approached the well to gather water. “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,” Jesus said to her, “but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” John 4:13-15.

This water will keep us refreshed for our entire journey.

When King Saul felt distressed, he had David play the harp for him to ease his troubled mind. Music refreshes our spirit. Prayer and meditation also provide comfort and strength.

But I will sing of Your power;
Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning;
For You have been my defense
And refuge in the day of my trouble.
To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises;
For God is my defense,
My God of mercy.
-Psalm 59:16-17

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law, he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
-Psalm 1:2-3

Surrounding ourselves with family, friends or community members that provide support and encouragement will also help renew and refresh our spirit. When we are feeling weary, sometimes all it takes is a few uplifting words to keep us going. Hugs work well too!

Weariness may be a challenge, but let’s not let it stop us from doing our work.

Let’s put faith first. Faith before fatigue, because we are promised spiritual refreshment along the way.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
-Matthew 11:28-30

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”
- Jeremiah 31:25

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Download the Fearless in 30 Challenge. Everyday, for the next 30 days, do something that scares you. Record your thoughts, actions, and results in your journal, and at the end of the Challenge review how far you’ve come.