Help for the Weary (Hebrews 12:12)

In our journeys through life there are times we simply feel overwhelmed and exhausted. One can feel battle weary and totally out of strength. The compassion of the Lord comes out to us at times like this. It is wise to know how to deal with these times, if not for the present time, certainly you will need it in the future because these times will come to every Christian. There are three things worthy of consideration at such a time, which I have enumerated below:

• We have a high priest who has gone through the same experience.
• Points to note in times of weariness.
• Help For the Weary.

A High Priest Who Has Gone Through The Same Experience

Dearly beloved of God, the first word you must remember is ‘do not feel like you are alone’. We are told Elijah felt so discouraged he asked God to take his life. He was doing the will of God but even in this he was experiencing tribulation. Paul the apostle was pressed till he ‘despaired of life itself’. Even Jesus was not spared while on earth. Hebrews 4:15 says ‘For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin’. Jesus experienced the same feelings of weariness we experience. Imagine what he must have been feeling when He asked God to let the cup pass from Him in the garden of Gethsemane. In other words, He was saying, if You can please don’t let Me go to the cross. But he received enough strength to say yet not as I will but as You will.

Points to Note In Times of Weariness

1. The Lord is Near: While it might not feel like this, we need to know the Lord is very near. He has said He will never leave us or forsake us. The word of God is more truthful than our feelings. Psalm 145:18 says ’The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon Him in truth.'
2. Refuse to yield to feelings of self pity. Self pity will not let you hear the voice of God in the midst of what is happening.
3. Be Still: Find a place where you can be with God and pray. You may say ‘but I pray normally, what is the difference?’ The difference is that ‘To them that have no might He increaseth strength' - Isaiah 40:29. There is grace available to the weary at these times. It was at the point of desperation that Elijah heard God’s instructions expressly God as to what steps to take. Similarly, after the prayer of Jesus in Gethsemane, He received strength for the journey ahead. Why would you not avail yourself of the same grace?
4. Do not listen to demons of discouragement and despair: For many people, it is at the point where they are pressed hardest that the devil will bring suggestions borne out of despair, even suicide. At these times, there is a need to watch the kind of thoughts and suggestions that come into your heart. The human mind is a battle ground. Proverbs 4:23 “guard your heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life”.
5. Find a Godly prayer partner: The Lord says for a reason that two are better than one. This does not apply to married couples only. He says if one person falls, the other will bear him up. When you are overwhelmed, find a strong Christian to pray with you. In the day of trouble, the prayer of a brother can reach heaven on your behalf. This is particularly true in times when you can’t pray for yourself.
6. Watch the company you keep: The times of discouragement are our most vulnerable times. Don’t be found in the wrong company at these times. The enemy can make suggestions to you at this vulnerable time. Wrong decisions made can have a life time impact.

Help for the Weary

There is help for the weary. Times of weariness are not times to draw away from God. Scripture enjoins us; ‘Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need’ - Hebrews 4:16 . Mercy will keep you at these times that you can’t help yourself. It will protect you. Grace will strengthen you and give you supernatural wherewithal to pick up your sword and resume the fight of faith. Therefore brothers and sisters, whatever you might be going through, ‘Lift up the hands which hang down and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed’ Hebrews 12:12-13. Finally, remember that our victory is assured and we will ultimately rejoice.

May God bless you as you remain strong in your Him.

Remain blessed and highly favoured.
Titi Obishai (MRS)