I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely not as fit and healthy as I used to be. The problem is mostly self-inflicted; I haven’t looked after myself very well. As I discovered last cricket season, there are consequences of not playing for fifteen or so years! My tiredness is not limited to the field, either; the busyness of life and work does take its toll. Maybe you can relate to this, too.

Physical weakness, exhaustion and illness is challenging enough, but life can make us feel weary in other ways. We may have faced personal difficulties, such as grief, family and relationship problems, mental health issues. Perhaps we are weighed down by worry and anxiety about problems or uncertainties in our lives or the lives of those we love. Or maybe our weariness simply comes from living in a broken and hurting world. The Bible says “the whole creation has been groaning…we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.” (Romans 8:22, 23)

Yet there is good news for us in the wonderful promises of God. The Lord Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) And here is another assurance of God’s help: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31)

So friend, if your body or soul is a bit weary today, take heart. Those who put their hope in the Lord through faith in Jesus Christ receive strength not only to persevere, but even to ‘soar’. He will refresh our hearts and minds in this life, and will redeem our bodies in eternity. Only let us keep on running the race of life and faith for His glory.