SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT OUR WEAKNESSES
If we are conscientious, we know that we have sinned against God and failed to live up to the standards in the Bible. We have not kept God’s law as we should, and often we try to rationalize the sin we commit. We ask for God’s forgiveness, but if we don’t really believe the Bible, then we may struggle with the doubts that come from our sin and God’s promise to forgive and “remember our iniquities no more.” (Hebrews 8:12). It is extremely possible that we have our doubts about God’s forgiveness, and while we strive for perfection, we always fall short. After some time we may argue that I will never be perfect, so why bother. Yet Jesus in sermon on the mount stated, “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
The lessons that the prophets taught the children of Israel, we know that they made it clear that we all will stand before God one day in judgment. We will not be able to plea bargain before God, because he knows all we do, and the thoughts that motivated the actions. He knows our weaknesses and struggles – you know the ones — those we try to keep from everyone else lest they look at us in a disparaging manner.
Considers some of these thoughts for a few moments:
GOD KNOWS OUR WEAKNESSES – AND THAT IS GOOD. He knows we are emotionally tired. Spiritually– it doesn’t seem that I will make take time for God. Physically (especially as we grow older) we do not have the stamina that we once had. Chronic illness comes in; someone we love dies; we get bad news from the doctor about some illness. We are depressed because we have always taken care of ourselves (or have we? In these times we think we need God, but we haven’t really thought of him until these bad, devastating things happen to us – and then we definitely want him on our side). “For he knows our frame, he remembers that we are dust.” Psalms 103:14
How many of us are exhausted, and tried to “push through” until we can get over the problem? Another problem comes up, and we are right back where we were – and like many, we wonder where God is. He is still there, doing what he does, watching us closely and willing to come to our aid if we but ask. Sometimes he allows us to be tested (see Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego). God knows that we are not Him. When we have exhausted all of our resources, we know that God has been and is infinitely resourceful.
Notice some other passages from the Bible that encourage all of us.
GOD never sleeps or slumbers. Psalm 121
His mercies are new every morning. Lamentations 3:22-23
He owns the world He has made and everything in it. Psalm 24:1-2
His knowledge is far beyond ours. Psalm 139
He is the giver of good things. Luke 11:9-13; James 1:17
His understanding never tires. Isaiah 40:28-29
His compassion never fails. Psalm 103:13; Lamentations. 3:22
His love drives out fear and never ends. 1 John 4:18; 1 Corinthians 13:8
And please remember . . . .
As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. Psalm 103:13
But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children. Psalm 103:17
God will give us rest!
God will give us wisdom!
God’s Offerings to the Weary
What is our job when we’re weary – to slog through and survive? Nope. To passively expect God to swoop in and take care of us? Not entirely. To sleep? Well, sometimes.
Life in the physical world has spiritual implications. Even if our physical circumstances can’t change, we can choose to turn toward God or away from Him. These may be familiar verses to you, but important ones when we struggle and our minds cannot overcome the darkness.
Rest 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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28
Wisdom If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5. Be careful with this one – God may allow you to go through something wherein we learn from the tests. Rejoice in that we are learning to lean on Him.
The Holy Spirit – “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27
One day we will stand before God and give an answer for our sins! Let us learn even when it is a hard struggle to learn the lesson! It will be worth it!
Borrowed and adapted Tommy Tidwell
