Rest for the Weary

Disasters, violence, division, and lawlessness overtake the headlines of the local, national, and world news. Our media lacks good news stories. Daily, I see that terrible things are happening within my city, state, and nation. Some say they do not know why they are doing good when evil is around them — it would be easier to join the crowd.

When sin is all around us, there can be a temptation to fall into it. We must choose to do good and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading as we live our lives. There may be times when we do our best for God and it seems that bad still happens. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (CSB) says,

But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary in doing good.

Doing good is a fruit of the Spirit of God and it pleases Him. No matter how unpopular doing good may be on our jobs, in our schools, in our communities, or in our families, there is always a reward from God. Galatians 6:9 urges,

Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.

The Bible warns about getting tired of doing good more than once and this advice is still applicable today. Jesus summoned those who were weak and weary during His time on earth, and He still offers that place of refuge. He graciously extended the invitation of rest for the weary soul when He said in Matthew 11:28-29,

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Does your soul need rest today? I encourage you to go to the refuge of Jesus. He is always available any day or night that you stand in need. He knew there would be times when we would become weary and burdened living in this world. When we do good, there are opposing forces that want us to do evil, and that alone can be draining. Yet, God has allowed us to take refuge in Jesus so that we find rest for our souls to keep going and to keep doing good.

Prayer:
Lord, I am weary of doing good and I need Your rest. Please help me to lean on You and to be empowered to continue to do good, even when evil is all around me. I receive new strength from You, and I look forward to the rewards that only You can give. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Scripture is quoted from the Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.