I was feeling hurt by various and sundry things.
I began to be afraid for my heart because I could feel myself starting to get angry about it and visions of me as a bitter, harsh old woman started dancing in my head. (Maybe hobbling would be a better word considering I just set forth the mental picture of an old woman.)
I took it to God in prayer and the Spirit directed my thoughts to Hebrews 12:
“Consider Him (Jesus) who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart. In struggling against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood (as Jesus did). And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly or faint when you are reproved by Him, for the Lord disciplines the one He loves and punishes every son He receives. Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons.”
The things I am wearied and hurt by?
They are part of God’s spiritual workout program for me. Not because He hates me and wants to make my life miserable, but because He loves me. I am His girl, His precious daughter. “He does it for [my] benefit, so that [I] can share His holiness.”
Of course, it feels unpleasant; all discipline does. “No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful.”
However, the end result is glorious. “Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
I love this next verse so much:
“Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees (ESV), and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed instead.”
Weary one, take heart.
Our faithful God has promised to finish the good work He started in you. The difficult events in your life are for a glorious purpose: to make you holy like your Savior and beloved brother, Jesus.
Lift your drooping hands in praise to the God who loves you so much that He will not leave you the same.
And ask Him to strengthen your weak knees to faithfully run the course He’s laid out for you.
A Prayer for the Weary Heart
Only you can strengthen my weak knees and make me faithful in what you have for me.
Thank you for Jesus, the One who perfectly resisted sin to the point of shedding His precious blood.
Thank you for the cross.
Thank you for your grace that saves me from my sin and trains me for righteous, holy living.
Thank you that I can look to Christ and find rest for my weary heart.
What a good God you are.