I saw a Facebook post the other day talking about how weariness is affecting everyone badly during this pandemic. The author rightly made the distinction that weariness is not fatigue. Weariness stems from a loss of inner peace; it’s more of a spiritual tiredness, rather than a physical one.
The one good thing about having fewer things to do during the pandemic is that we have more time. But how we spend that time can affect the weariness you are experiencing. If you fill your time binge-watching another Netflix series, or playing hours and hours of video games, or baking way too many cookies (unless it’s chocolate chip cookies, then maybe…), you might not sense weariness lifting
The one way that I have found to beat the weariness from the stress related to Covid-19 is something you can tweak to make it your own: draw closer to God. Taking time out every day to commune with Jesus will lift the weariness you may feel. Peter knew this well: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
I am a practical kind of person. How do we cast all our anxiety on Christ? I am no spiritual guru, but here is how I do it:
1. Create a sacred space.
I have a special corner of my basement office that I call my “Jesus space.” It’s simple. I have a big bean bag chair and soft blanket that I wrap around myself as I begin my time with God.
2. Worship.
I like to listen to soaking worship music for a few minutes to get my mind centered on His presence. These days I am loving Julie True’s soaking worship music.
3. Pray.
After a song or two of peaceful worship music, I pray. Instead of praying what I want, I start off by asking God what He wants to do in a given situation and then listen. Sometimes the Holy Spirit will inspire a thought or a scripture will pop into my mind.
4. Read the Bible.
Spend time reading His word. One of the prayers I pray regularly before reading Scripture is this, taken from Psalm 119:18, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” The Bible is a spiritual book, and so praying before you read it helps to see new things God wants you to learn.
5. Record.
Lots of people don’t like to write, but jotting down your prayers is a great way to record your thoughts with God. If you write your prayers down, then be sure to record the answers to prayer as God gives them. It usually takes time, as God is not rushed, but when you record your prayers it is amazing how when you return to reread them, you will see how God answered! If we don’t record them, sometimes we forget how He answers prayers.
This is one of the reasons the Jews kept such good records. They recorded all kinds of things, from genealogies to festivals and, of course, the Law. Then they would return regularly to remember all the good things God did for them.
We are a forgetful people, so jotting down some of your prayers or inspirations during your time with God will help you to remember. It will also help your faith grow stronger as you remember how God met you in these times set apart for the Lord. (If this isn’t you, try recording your prayers on a voice memo app.)
These are five steps I do when I spend time with God. Tweak these suggestions and make them your own. Find out what works for you, and ask God for help. And notice how, as you practice times with God regularly, the weariness of the world’s care lifts. Why? Because we remember that this world is not all there is—an unseen realm exists, a heavenly promise of things to come when there will be no more suffering (Rev. 21:4). Continue to seek Him and believe in His goodness; you will begin to feel more inner peace.
You may sense this immediately in your times set apart for God, or it may take some time. But remember that this is what we’ve been created for—communion with our Creator; the one who fashioned us and calls us through His powerful act of love.
Let go of the weariness of the 2020 pandemic and go into your Heavenly Father’s arms. He is there, waiting with patience and peace.
And remember…
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV)
Thank you for this Lisa. It is beautifully written and very wise, indeed. I would like to share your link with a FB prayer group. I believe this is what we all need to be reminded of, who we are and who God is (especially to us believers)! Best regards, Maria
Hi Maria! Thanks for stopping by and I am blessed that you are sharing this post!
Weariness comes in different shapes and sizes, mine has been a very lengthy journey,I have experienced life changes like I have never walked before, but God’s unfailing presence never has left me,the journey has caused weakness and weariness,Thank you for writing this.
God bless you, Mary, with more of His presence. May the weariness lift.
Amen. Let go. Lean into God’s arms.
What is that saying… “Let go and Let God!” Amen.
I found that asking God to keep me encouraged with the inner joy and peace that I have been experiencing. Things are uncertain, but I count my blessings because Holy Spirit is with me all the time. God has been very generous and I am at peace even through having this virus. God got both my husband and I though all of it and we bounced back. Even though I didn’t feel good for a couple weeks, I still had that inner Holy Spirit-given peace. It’s hard to describe but it’s a state of being that cannot be topped by anything else because it comes from God.
I am so glad that you have recovered from COVID-19. And to say that you had peace in the midst of that trial, is a great testament to the Holy Spirit living within you. May God continue to give you peace and keep you healthy! Thanks for your comment, Cynthia.
Great, practical advice Lisa. It is good for more than COVID weariness, I will use it today after being locked in from an ice storm. This is day three of it and I am weary. But, using your recommendations will help me find peace in the Lord. Thanks.
An ice storm, eh? Then you definitely need to snuggle under a warm, “Jesus blanket” today. God bless you!
You are so right that we are weary of COVID, weary of what it’s done to our work, leisure, relationships, communal worship, even our entertainment. Rest comes from the Lord. Thank you, Lisa!
Thanks, Nancy, for your comment. God bless!
loved this! The “sacred space” advice is so good.
So where is your sacred space, Joel?
Such practical and helpful suggestions.
Thanks, Ava! Many blessings to you.
Time in God’s Word, typically in my writing den at home, is where the Lord puts me back together. But today, in a far away location with no den and no privacy, he restored my soul as I had a short Bible study and then quietly recollected a unique conversation I have with him each time I am misunderstood by someone I love. I know that the Lord ALWAYS knows exactly what I meant, even if the other doesn’t, and Jesus meets me right there, even in a crowded room with my eyes closed. Great post, Lisa! So very important!
Hey Melinda. The way you write, I can see how God uses that in your life, also – you write SO well. I am always blessed by your talent, and I am a beneficiary of your writing skills. You have blessed me by your craft. Thanks for sharing your heart, my friend. May God continue to draw you near to His heart in this season and always.
This is great, and I have found reading the Bible right now to be a great way to calm my anxieties and quiet my soul.
Yes, it definitely helps. Another suggestion is to listen to the Word. My son, who’s 18 years old, is not a big reader. But he will listen to the Bible app as it reads the Word to him. They have some great narrators these days for those kinds of apps!
I love this Lisa!!!
I love this, LIsa! Yes, yes, yes. All of these Godly strategies have helped me abide in Christ and they always lift my vision from this world, whatever may befall. But I never grow tired of reminders. It is at the point of weariness that I need this very encouragement to remain steadfast in seeking the Lord for my strength, my peace and my hope. Wonderful post!
I know you seek God regularly, Melissa. Your writing is evidence of that! But I am glad to provide a few reminders of sticking close to Jesus in such times. God bless you, my friend.