Weary

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 21

Scripture Focus: And David grew weary. (2 Samuel 21.15)

Devotional Thought: Recently, I was cutting, splitting and stacking firewood with my sons-in-law. I grew weary more quickly than they did, and though my man-pride was damaged, I stopped while they continued working. I recognized that it’s not a good thing to operate a chain saw when you are exhausted!

A brave warrior who led by example, David had gone “down together with his servants, and they fought against the Philistines.” David’s stamina, however, was not what it had been in his prime. He grew weary. As David was about to be slain in battle, one of his battle companions had to come to his rescue.

Consider two things we learn from this scenario:

· It is not a shame to grow weary. David’s age and exertion combined to make him weary before the younger soldiers. But, as the Bible says, “Even youths shall faint and be weary” (Isaiah 40.30). I suppose it would be a shame to never grow weary, to never exert yourself to the point of exhaustion.

· Not only do we need to recognize our own weariness, we also should watch for signs of weariness in others. David’s men probably waited too long to do something about it, but they did act when they saw David in danger. We should observe the workers around us. Are they showing signs of weariness? If so, we ought to step in and help them or find someone else to do so.

Are you weary? One way to prevent that, is to recognize our limits and take the steps to properly rest our bodies, minds, and spirits. Are you getting the rest you need? Do you see another who is weary? Lend a helping hand and encourage them to rest.

Prayer: Jesus, when you were so weary that you fell beneath the load of the cross, Simon of Cyrene helped you. Grant that I may be a helper to those who have grown weary. Give me strength for the battle myself, also. I come to you to find rest for my soul. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 105.37-45

37 Then he brought out Israel with silver and gold, and there was none among his tribes who stumbled. 38 Egypt was glad when they departed, for dread of them had fallen upon it.

39 He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light by night. 40 They asked, and he brought quail, and gave them bread from heaven in abundance. 41 He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed through the desert like a river. 42 For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham, his servant.

43 So he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing. 44 And he gave them the lands of the nations, and they took possession of the fruit of the peoples' toil, 45 that they might keep his statutes and observe his laws. Praise the Lord!