Sometimes one gets weary – and weariness is a difficult thing to write about. Weariness is more than being tired and in need of a good night’s sleep. Weariness is being in need of renewal, refreshment, rejuvenating. I have been reminded numerous times of the need to be renewed. What does renewal look like? And --- where does it come from? Is renewal external or internal? Does a good meal, perhaps a nap, a fun movie help? Perhaps a walk or a run or a drive? Listening to some really good music? Maybe a shopping trip or coffee with a good friend or sitting down with a good book? While these things may help to a greater or lesser degree – depending upon an individual’s preferences – are they really enough? What does it take to begin the process of renewal? When life gets incredibly heavy and you feel depleted, there are, of course, a variety of ways to fill up an empty bucket. However, if the filling does not at least include some means of internal filling, the bucket will be ‘leaky!’
Psalm 23 is a favorite of many. Usually we think of Psalm 23 when we are planning a funeral or memorial service, and certainly it is appropriate in that setting – “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” He is indeed the One who brings comfort – and He understands the valley through which we travel. But … go back to the verses above… “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.” Yes, when we come to verse 3 of Psalm 23, we read this phrase – “He restores my soul.” That recently has been revelatory to me as I ponder and understand that my soul really only receives filling when a loving God, a very loving Shepherd, fills up that empty soul. No matter how many naps we take; no matter the coffees we have with friends; no matter the funny movies; no matter the books; no matter the music – unless He is the restorer of our soul, we will not be truly restored.
I’ve given a lot of thought to how that might happen. Restoring my soul happens for me when I take time … time to think, time to pray, time to refresh, time to allow the One who knows me, really knows me, knows my depletion, knows my burdens, knows what I need … knows my need for restoration, to begin the restoration process from the inside out! This kind of inside-out-renewing takes time – it cannot be rushed! It is easy to think – well, I had a day off….I took a nap….I had a good conversation about ‘that’…I should be better. In fact, there may be a temporary sense of re-energy; however, soon the weariness in one’s bones returns and it is apparent that renewal is still needed. God knows what we need; He knows the time table; He is the restorer. It is also important to realize that I may be renewed in my soul and still be bone-weary….those are two separate things. “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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” It is from Him we learn; it is through Him we are restored; He understands. “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” He loves us! He knows! He is able! He is enough!