By Staff
Is life running you over? Does it seem like every step is a struggle? Take heart. God wants to help those who are weary.
In the Old Testament book of Isaiah, chapter 40, verses 28-29, we read, "The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary … He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."
God is eternal. He has always been and always will be. Though He rested the seventh day from His work of creation (Genesis 2:2-3), He was not tired or weary; He was simply building the principle of Sabbath into His creation.
God delights in helping the weak and the weary. The saying, "God helps those who help themselves" is not from God's Word. As a matter of fact, the opposite is true. God resists the proud and those who think they are strong enough to make it without Him.
It was said of King Uzziah, a mighty king of Judah, that "he was greatly helped until he became powerful" (2 Chronicles 26:15). As long as Uzziah depended on God, he was helped. When he perceived that he had achieved power and authority, he became self-reliant and God left him.
All God wants us to do is to depend on Him.
God not only helps the weary, He will literally carry the burden for them. In the epistle of 1 Peter, chapter 5, verse 7, God invites us to "cast all [our] anxiety on Him because He cares for [us]." Every day, all the time, we must admit that we are not equal to the task. We can put our burden on God. That seems a little difficult to comprehend and easier said than done, but God promises to help us.
God's help may not come according to our schedule. That is why we also need to learn patience and trust. God may not bail us out from all our mistakes, nor relieve us of all consequences of our actions, but He will give us strength for the journey.
Jesus said, in the gospel of Matthew, chapter 11, verses 28-30, "Come to me, all you 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."
What do we learn from Jesus as we take His yoke on us? Jesus is the Son of God. He came to earth and lived in complete dependence on His Heavenly Father. He set a prime example. Jesus also said in Matthew, chapter 6, verses 25-31, if God can care for the birds of the air by feeding them and can clothe the flowers of the field, He can certainly take care of us. So, Jesus said, "Do not worry" (Matthew 6:31).
How do you transfer things over to God? The Psalmist said it well in Psalms, chapter 37, verse 5: "Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass" (nkjv). Begin each day transferring everything to God for that day. Roll the burden over to Him. You may not perceive His help as you go through the day, but at the end of the day, you will look back and realize that you were marvelously helped.
God has help for the weary. We need to admit our lack and our need for God. He will give us wings like eagles and help us soar (Isaiah 40:31).