Are You Weary?

 

Have you ever mowed so much grass in one summer? It seems every time I turn around it’s grown two or three inches inhibiting my little Chihuahua’s navigation thorough the yard, chasing down squirrels and running the fence line warning unwanted predators of her dominance. The South Texas temperatures have remained unusually low so far this summer, our rains have been persistent, and mixed with a little bit of sunshine, is the perfect receipt for growing grass, and everything else. I suspect all the fertilizers and growth stimulants I’ve applied to my lawn the past ten years, without any noticeable success, have been activated all at once because my lawn looks better than it has in many years. The problem with that is, I’m pushing the lawnmower a lot more than I really want to. Oh well, Bella and I are getting some great exercise and sleep well.

Working all day at a physical activity leads to a tiredness we can all relate to. We all know the relief of being able to finally sit down and rest. The great thing about physical tiredness is that after a period of rest we feel better and able to return to our activity. When Jesus talks about those who are weary, in the Book of Matthew, Jesus is talking about the weariness of spirit or mind. We seem to be seeing this more often in our modern society. I know many of us have felt that weariness of facing a long-term challenge that wears us down. This mental weariness is a kind of fatigue that physical rest often does not help. This mental fatigue is often brought about through worry, frustration and discouragement which are all tools of Satan, “And Satan is very patient.” Allow that thought to capture you for a few minutes. Your mind is quick to point out to you the patience of Job and the patience of God, but we fail to recognize that the work of Satan may very well be in a field all its own. For we read in God’s Word that “…the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). I don’t ever recall hearing of a lion giving up after one failed attempt. The lion sizes up its prey before attacking and as an example one can watch the common domestic cat in its preparations to attack and disrupt a normal day. There is no rush; just a calculated wait before pouncing on an unsuspecting victim, which never gets old to them. I hate cats.

[Matthew 11:28-30] Maybe you don’t see Satan in that way, but perhaps it’s time for us all to re-think the working of our greatest enemy. No doubt Satan waited patiently before Eve (and Adam) succumbed to the temptation of the fruit in the garden. And as he waited then, he does so with us “seeking someone to devour.” And unfortunately, his success rate seems to be climbing! Solomon characterizes the one falling into the temptation of adultery “…as an ox goes to slaughter” (Proverbs 7:22). Is it possible that we have allowed ourselves to be so caught up in the pleasures of the world that we have become like ox to the slaughter? The apostle Paul warned Timothy to teach with gentleness so that God may grant repentance, “…and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:26). Jesus says there is an answer when the world takes us captive and wears us down. “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.” And it shouldn’t surprise you that even positive things can wear us down. “…let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9). Satan’s slaughter will void Jesus’ sacrifice and your hope of life eternal.