Weary

February 11, 2019

“Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season, we shall reap, if we don’t faint.” 

—Galatians 6:9

Weariness is one of the great plagues of the one who takes his or her faith seriously. We are constantly barraged by problems and issues needing to be addressed. Whether it’s standing up for the unborn or the hungry or homeless, leading a church or Bible study, trying to be a good spouse, parent, employee, or taking one’s place in civic responsibilities, there is so much need constantly staring us in the face that we easily reach compassion overload, even before we’ve lifted a finger to help. It’s nearly impossible to open a day’s mail without coming across someone’s plea for money for their good cause.

I envy those whose energy seems boundless. Mine doesn’t bound; it just seems less. I suspect any ennui I feel is due in part to the minuscule effect my efforts have in comparison with the magnitude of the issues we face. And when what little I can do seems to accomplish nothing, motivation begins to ebb like air out of a leaky tire. Encouragement does little good. People mean well, but I have eyes. I can see whether what I am doing is effective or not. At least, I think I can. And therein lies the rub. My vision always has a horizon beyond which I cannot see. God, on the other hand, has no horizon. 

In the Genesis story of Joseph, I can imagine there were plenty of times Joe’s horizons closed in on him. Sold into slavery by his brothers, slandered by an adulterous woman, imprisoned by an angry husband, forgotten by the man he helped, Joseph spent the better part of his youth with horizons that he could touch by reaching out and feeling the dungeon walls. And when deliverance finally came, he saved his family only to have them become enslaved in future centuries by the very Egyptians who had been their rescuers. But even as the nation was groaning in slavery, God could see beyond their horizon to a forever kingdom that would one day be established.

Scripture tells us that “where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18) If we cannot see the purpose of our work, cannot envision its significance, it becomes laborious. Weariness sets in. Which is where Paul’s admonition kicks in. He reminds us that there is a “due season.” It may not be today, but it is coming. And with it, a harvest if we refuse to give up. Psalm 126:6 tells us “he that goes forth and weeps, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” 

Imagine the scene: The grain is almost gone after a long winter. The sacks in the corner contain the seed needed for spring planting, but the children are hungry now. The farmer can feed his children today and stave off the pangs in their stomachs, or he can hoist the sack on his shoulder and head for the field, their cries echoing in his ears as the tears roll down his cheeks. He knows they don’t understand why he won’t let them touch the food they so desperately need. He knows if he gives in, they will all starve next winter. He throws that precious seed on the ground, hoping, praying that the rains will come. If they don’t... 

He drags himself to the fields, sweat mingling with tears, looking for a harvest he can only see in his mind. Is he weary? You bet, he is, in both body and soul. But he goes out day after day, weeping and weary, looking to the horizon and praying to the God who sees beyond it.