Reigning in Weariness

It happens so suddenly, like a strong wind bringing in a rainstorm on a clear day. Weariness descends and I find myself functioning in a different mode of operation; lacking full steam and my pace reduced to put-put speed. I manage to get some things done, but the change becomes noticeable to my family, especially the youngest.

Weariness is like a whirlwind that seeks to suck us into its vacuum and create a sense of loss or lack of balance.  For most it's like a fog that makes us feel lost and alone.  

We know that the sun has not left, but we still miss the warmth of its presence, and we are tempted to dwell more on what's not present rather than hope upon the promise that is sure to come in season.

The moment by moment pace of our days has a powerful effect on those who live with us. Even in the hidden quietness of my heart weariness whispers, casting her spell upon my heart and mind.  The affect is soon observed not just in my slower performance, but even more so through my spirit and countenance.  Toward the end of a day, as weariness worked to get in its last blow, Anna sought me out and led me to our couch to sit with her.  We sat there together, quiet, and still, communicating in the way we always do, with our eyes and without words.  Then it happened, there in this quiet place of snuggling and sitting next to my child,  somewhere in the stillness grace began to lift the weariness that was penetrating my bones.

There are times when it’s really okay just to sit, wait, and not think. We come to a place where everything looks a little fuzzy, even to walk would mean to stumble; sitting still becomes a solace. In those times we discover that all the running is not near as effective as our moments of sitting still. I’m learning that we have to be very careful that these times do not turn into “checking out” zones. True consolation never comes to a heart that is bent inward in its self-focus.

“And let us not be weary in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Galatians 6:9

By implication, weary means here to fail in heart.The fruit of a heart that has lost courage would be a lack of desire to go on.

Sitting still with a heart that is not hoping, becomes an unproductive pit. The path back to a God given desire, that reigns in weariness, has a vision of simplicity that we frequently miss…often it seems too simple.

 There is a powerful peaceful presence when our desires become one with HIS. Like a thirsty soil receiving rain, I can allow my Father to rain on me what He longs to give, in even the “storms” of life. 

TRUST that becomes REST 

will lead us to GIVING.

Sometimes I find myself lacking in these places because of my own unwillingness to surrender, and here again Anna in her non pretense way shows me that the answer to all problems is just sitting with me, and all things are well. I’m thankful for her reminder of how the simplicity of trust sooths a weary heart. 

It is in the place of weakness that we receive His strength to take the next step...to overflow, from what He pours out on us.
 

From Streams in the Desert:

There is a perfect passivity which is not indolence. It is a living stillness born of trust. Quiet tension is not trust. It is simply compressed anxiety.

Not in the tumult of the rending storm,

Not in the earthquake or devouring flame;

But in the hush that could all fear transform,

 The still, small whisper to the prophet came.

0 Soul, keep silence on the mount of God,

Though cares and needs throb around 

thee like a sea;

From supplications and desires unshod,

Be still, and hear what God shall say to thee.

All fellowship hath interludes of rest,

New strength maturing in each poise of power;

The sweetest Alleluias of the blest Are silent,

for the space of half an hour.

0 rest, in utter quietude of soul,

Abandon words, leave prayer and praise awhile ;

 Let thy whole being, hushed in His control,

Learn the full meaning of His voice and smile.

Not as an athlete wrestling for a crown,

Not taking Heaven by violence of will;

But with thy Father as a child sit down,

And know the bliss that follows His "Be Still!"

--Mary Rowles Jarvis