Tuesday, July 4, 2023
If you’re like me, you can probably think of several times in your life when you worked really hard to accomplish something and never received acknowledgement for your efforts. Maybe you agreed to overtime at work or planned a special surprise for your spouse or friend. And what did you receive in return—not so much as a thank you.
How did it make you feel?
For me, while it was painful, it mostly made me feel tired or weary … empty. The truth is, a weary heart needs attention. Where and how we get that attention makes all the difference. When we pour our heart focus into a project and don’t get the results we expected, it is easy to fall into the trap of negative thinking. This can lead to negative feelings and ultimately result in negative actions.
We find an example of this in the story of Mary and Martha.
Luke 10:38-40
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
Martha’s heart focus was on the meal preparation, and when no one acknowledged her effort, she resorted to negative action and confronted Jesus about it.
Honestly, I’ve behaved like Martha more than a few times. My heart weariness resulted in resentment for not receiving what I had judged to be rightfully mine—approval and praise for my efforts. Occasionally, my hurt feelings led to negative actions aimed at the very person I was trying to impress, ultimately wounding them in return.
On the flipside, sometimes in our weariness, we shut down, withdraw, and feel sorry for ourselves. Or even worse, we seek relief through unhealthy decisions. None of these responses is the best that God has planned for us. When I think about having a weary heart, my mind is drawn to the lyrics of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler. This is what I need and what Jesus offers—a complete change of perspective.
Instead of focusing on accolades and worldly projects with their ensuing expectations, let’s set our hearts on who Jesus is and what his plans are for us.
Matthew 11:28
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest.”
When we try to carry our heavy burdens alone, we often find ourselves falling into a deeper state of weariness. However, when we put all of our trust in Christ and his love instead of our own abilities, we find the strength to overcome any disappointing expectations that might result in weariness.
Isaiah 40:31
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
When you find yourself heart weary, Jesus provides relief.
Questions:
How often do you find yourself in some state of weariness? Ask yourself why? How do you handle it?
Do you tackle daily projects expecting praise and acknowledgement or for the joy of being the hands and feet of Jesus, your savior?
Next Steps:
Be aware of what your motivations and expectations are when doing a task.
When you are feeling weary of heart, turn your focus to Jesus for strength and rejuvenation.
Prayer:
Loving Father, there are times when I feel overwhelmed by disappointment and grow weary of heart. Please help me avoid negative thoughts, feelings, and actions so that I may focus on you and your love. Help me to put my trust in your words so I can run and never grow weary. I am in awe of who you are and trust my weary heart to the positive attention that only you can provide. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Ecclesiastes 9:17
Better to hear the quiet words of a wise person than the shouts of a foolish king.