The Weariness of Life
Greetings church,
This week our staff has learned about several people in our congregation and community who are enduring heartbreak and loss for a variety of reasons. While I won’t go into details about the specific individuals (because I do not have their permission to do so) I will note that this includes everything from financial struggle to sickness and death.
We are in a hard season. Many of our members are facing difficulty. Our communities are facing uncertainty. Our nation is supremely divided. And our world seems more and more fallen everyday. I want you to remember that it is okay to not feel okay.
The Bible is full of stories regarding people who are facing adversity. Sometimes that adversity is brought on by themselves, but many times it is due to things beyond their control. And over and over again the Bible provides evidence that our God is for the greatest good in our lives. It is full of encouragement for those who are downtrodden. I want to share some of those verses with you:
John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Isaiah 40:31, “…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.”
Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
None of these verses guarantee safety or prosperity. The Bible doesn’t guarantee us a life without pain. Walking through trial doesn’t mean you have no faith or you did something wrong, it simply means you are fighting a battle. And in the midst of battle we get tired, we become weary and we search for answers.
Ultimately, we may not find an answer that we are satisfied with. So in your weariness, your sadness, your heartbreak fall back to the book of Matthew 11:28 where it reminds us, “ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Like a good father who sees the tears of his children is our God. Ready to embrace us and allow us to get rest when the world has made us weary. If that is you and you are weary and need prayer don’t hesitate to respond to this email, our pastoral staff will be sure to pray for all of you by name. You are loved and cared for even amid the battle.
See you Sunday,
Pastor Peter