Encouraging Words for Weary Soldiers
All of us get weary and worn at times. No exceptions; not even in the Bible – not even Jesus. Not everyone loved Jesus and followed Him devotedly. Jesus faced confrontation from Satan and demons, Pharisees and other religious leaders, demands for His time and attention, issues among His disciples, and the wear and tear of a traveling ministry. Because Jesus was also fully man during His years on earth, He was subject to mental (emotional) and physical stress that makes all of us weary at times.
On the personal side, in addition to outside forces and foes, we are fully capable of creating our own stress and fatigue that leads us into weariness, physically, mentally, and spiritually. We will cover those as well.
I chose the word soldier over others that fit Christians in our world today, like traveler and pilgrim. Soldier is a good reminder that, this side of Heaven, we often (perhaps always) find ourselves in battles—spiritual warfare. Today I am going to briefly discuss some of what makes us weary, but I want to spend most of our time examining the ways out that come from God’s promises in His Word. When we say amen to this message, I am believing the Holy Spirit for a four-fold blessing: Renew our strength. Refresh our souls. Restore the joy of the Lord. Rest.
The Promises of God
Renew our strength.
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Refresh our souls.
“He refreshes my soul, He leads me in paths of righteousness For His Name’s sake;” Psalm 23: 3
“For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes.” Jeremiah 31:15
Restore the joy of the Lord.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Psalm 51:12
“Truly, truly I say to you that you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy!” John 16:20
Rest (The Promise of Jesus)
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.” Matthew 11:28-29
Our Part
- In His Word
“Your words were found and I ate them, and Your words became a joy to me and the delight of my heart; for I have been called by Your name, LORD God of armies. Jeremiah 15:16
- On Our Knees
“Then He spoke a parable to them that men always ought to pray and not lose heart” Luke 18: 1
- Eyes on Jesus
“…let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. “Hebrews 12:1-3
- Serve Others
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10 (Similar words are found in 2 Thessalonians 3:13)
Weary soldier, my closing prayer is that the Holy Spirit will give you all four of His blessings when you humbly and wearily approach our Father Who has our best in His heart.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3
Invitation to those who are weary and lost without hope. Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11 is for you as well. But it has a different meaning. You must come to Him with a repentant heart, confessing your sin and need for a Savior. Receive Him today and begin enjoying these promises for yourself!
For Christ’s sake,
