Finding Strength When My Soul Feels Weary - Your Nightly Scripture - October 13th
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Finding Strength When My Soul Feels Weary
Evening Scripture
For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles — Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.
In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Evening Reflection
What is your first response when you start feeling weary in your circumstances?
Maybe you reach for some chocolate? Grab a glass of wine? Curl up for a movie marathon? Or just have a good cry? All of those things are helpful, and sometimes a necessary part of resting, processing, and recovering, but those things alone won’t supply your soul with the strength that it needs to endure. Weariness requires supernatural intervention for us to stand up with strength when, by every other measure, we should be crumbling under the weight of our circumstances.
Paul, the writer of Ephesians, offers us some instruction and encouragement for our weary hearts. When he writes these words, he is imprisoned in Rome because of his mission, which was to preach the gospel. He understood weariness but still found a way to offer words of encouragement to the emerging church.
First, Paul reminds himself and his readers of the grace he received when he met Jesus. Paul realizes that every present suffering is temporary and worthwhile if it leads us closer to Jesus. This perspective protected his heart from bitterness and resentment when life grew hard and the mission God gave him became dangerous. Sometimes forcing ourselves to give thanks for our salvation is the first step we need to take to find encouragement in our circumstances.
Next, Paul says he kneels before the Father in prayer. Prayer is so powerful! It changes things. Most importantly, prayer changes our hearts. In our darkest moments, prayer reminds us that we are not alone. That God loves us and is walking with us through life's valleys. God responds to our faith, and our faith is activated when we come before the Father in prayer.
Finally, Paul boldly declares that God is able! He says God is able to do immeasurably more than we could think, ask, or even imagine. His declaration stirs up his faith and the faith of his readers. Even though circumstances may look bleak, we must always remember that God is able. His power is at work in us.
Our strength for our weary moments is found in the Lord. He is able and will carry us through when we surrender our stories to Him for his glory.
Evening Prayer
Father,
I offer you my weary heart. I am tired and weak, but I am reminded that you are able! I give thanks for the gift of your salvation. For your presence that never leaves me. No matter how difficult my circumstances feel, I can still give thanks for you!
I bring you my circumstances. I ask that you provide me with the wisdom I need to move forward. Please renew my strength and return to me the joy of my salvation. Do what only you can do! I know you are able. Change my heart, bring breakthrough, and help me to cling to hope in this moment of exhaustion.
Amen.
How did tonight’s scripture speak to you? Share your thoughts in the Your Nightly Scripture forum discussion.
Go Deeper: 4 Prayers of Rest for the Weary Heart
Are you worn out, worn down, and feeling weary?
Life can weary a person; I know I'm not alone in the reflection. The curveballs, the ups and downs, the mountain peaks and the valley lows, they all wear us down. So how do we combat mental, spiritual, and physical fatigue? If you enjoy this episode, be sure to follow Untangling Prayer on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.
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