I'm sick and tired of it....

I’ve caught myself using that phrase more than once over these couple of weeks. I can’t be the only one. I’m ready for my life to get back to normal, as we all are probably. I miss my people, I miss church, I miss doing things with others - I miss the general feeling of safety that I used to feel in groups or settings. I’m not a fan of putting on a mask to shop, or enter into public spaces. Now, be sure: that doesn’t mean that I don’t wear a mask - because I do. I love people enough to ensure I am doing ALL I can to prevent the spread of this terrible virus. And if that means wearing a mask and limiting my time out in public spaces - so be it! However, I can’t say that I enjoy the experience.

And I think for the first time in my admittedly blessed life, I am starting to understand weariness on a deeper level. I am beginning to catch a glimpse of what it means to not just be tired - but be weary.

Oxford’s definition of the word weary includes, “reluctant to see or experience any more of; tired of.” And that’s about it. I’m reluctant to see or experience any more of Covid-19 and how it has affected our world.

But, here’s the thing. The world is not going to change any time soon. Covid-19 continues to be a global threat to the health and safety of humanity. So, how should I cope with this extended season of weariness?

A couple of responses from Scripture come to mind…

First is an encouragement from Paul’s letter to the Romans.

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love” (Rom 5:3-5 NLT).

In that passage, and throughout the Bible, we read verses seeking to bring encouragement. God knows that sometimes, life is hard. It’s a result of the sin that has run rampant over God’s perfect creation. But thankfully for me and you, this call to endure leads to realized hope. Hope expressed in certainty says, “I know that God has won the victory over sin and because of His love, I share in this victory over sin in this life and into the next - so I'll keep going!”

Secondly, the passage that comes to mind comes from the mouth of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT) - Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

For me, this verse is life changing. It’s one thing to be encouraged to endure - and there are times when this message is appropriate. But today, the message that speaks to my heart is not “hang on…” I need to hear, “give me your weariness, and I’ll give you rest…”

I don’t know how you’re doing during this unique season of life. But if you’re like me, and have found yourself saying, “I’m sick and tired of it,” then hear those words of Christ, and allow them to minister to your weariness. In Him we find rest for our souls. And nothing - not even Covid-19 - can rob us of the rest that is found in Christ.

Blessings... and rest.

Fred