Tuesday seemed like a day for everything bad to happen! All day long I received news of difficult things that people I know were going through. Several people fell and were seriously injured, a house burnt down, a friend began to notice signs of dementia in a loved one, several of my kids had stressful days, it seemed to go on and on. Even those who didn’t experience specific trauma seemed weary – the world seems weary.
I often have to remind myself that, while I want to be supportive, I need to not take on the weariness of others. Instead I must search for ways to encourage those that are weary. I need to pause, pray, and preach to myself so I can find my strength in the Lord and pass on that strength to those that need it.
“The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.”
Isaiah 50:4
Here are a few ideas for encouraging the weary:
1.Share the Word
God’s strength is available for each of us. His word gives us hope – and hope strengthens us! Share Scripture on your social media, write a verse in a card (or use one of the enclosure cards in the newsletter this week!), memorize Scripture so you can share it in the moment, post Scripture in your home, car, and office.
2. Give a gift
My Bible Study group once gave me a gift card for a massage when I was going through a very difficult time. A friend sent me a book of uplifting stories when I was down. Gifts are wonderful expressions of encouragement and can be practical and meaningful at the same time. An inspirational print, a gift card for coffee or a treat, a pretty scarf or t-shirt, a new mug – so many ideas!
3. Sit and Listen
Invite someone over to sit in your space and relax. Whether you offer a cup of coffee, breakfast or lunch, or a glass of ice water on the back porch – just providing someone a safe place to rest is key.
4. Say a Prayer
After listening to someone pour out their heart about their struggles and exhaustion, ask if you can pray with them. A simple prayer to ask God to give them rest and to thank Him for what He is doing is all that is needed. The best encouragement we can offer is to carry someone right into the presence of God!
5. Share Your Story
It is difficult to find hope in the midst of weariness. A tired and empty spirit is often dry and weak. When you share your experience of how God has lifted you out of those times, you share hope and give strength. Even if your experience is not identical (it never is!), just the reminder that God is able can be enough to pull someone out of the pit of despair and give them an anchor to hold on to.
“For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.”
Jeremiah 31:25