When we feel weak or tired, we have been taught to “give it all we’ve got”. We try to do things in our own strength. We try to produce more energy or we just push until we burn out.
We do anything that we thing will make us “strong enough” to “make it through”; mantras, affirmations, bubble baths with certain bath salts or candles, positive self-talk, etc.
I’m not saying these things are bad… but what if instead of trying to do it all on your own, we sought the Lord? What if we asked the Holy Spirit to increase our Joy?
Scripture tells us that “the Joy of the Lord is our strength” (Nehemiah 8:10b). When we need strength, ask the Lord for more joy! Let Him show you how to be joyful in the middle of the weariness. Also, ask the Lord to help you carry those burdens. Let Him help you remove the things you are carrying and actually don’t need to be.
Thank you, Lord for the joy that only you can give us. When we are weary or burnt out, help us lean on you and find our strength in you. Help us see the joy all around us and let the things that don’t matter to your Kingdom fall away. Amen.
