Spiritual Fatigue

Fatigue can be debilitating. It can also be a good thing at times. Sometimes at our house we say, “I’m tired, but it’s a good kind of tired.” You know the difference. A difficult day at work, full of frustrations and obstacles and those people---you know which ones I mean---leads to a type of fatigue that is not pleasant. But then, there’s the fatigue of a job well done, or of physical exertion, like a long hike to a waterfall. This can be a satisfying fatigue. This week we will consider an episode in the story of the people of Israel, just before their destruction/captivity/exile by Babylon. Here is the full text and outline for this episode:

Spiritual Fatigue and Revival

Spiritual fatigue can be related to one person taking on too many responsibilities at church. Or it might be related to personal difficulties in which prayers seem to go unanswered for a long time. Here, though, the Israelites seem to have a bigger problem. They are actually weary of God.

"Yet you did not call upon me, O Jacob; but you have been weary of me, O Israel!” Isaiah 43:22 ESV

God, through Isaiah, points out that destruction awaits those who have fallen into idolatry and apostasy. But, as always, there is a possible solution.

3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground;I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.4They shall spring up among the grass like willows by flowing streams.5 This one will say, 'I am the LORD’s,' another will call on the name of Jacob,and another will write on his hand, 'The LORD’s,' and name himself by the name of Israel." Isaiah 44:3-5

Isn’t it amazing? We become weary of God’s grace and presence, yet his remedy, if we’ll take it, is more grace and more of his presence. May your week be filled with the good kind of fatigue that comes from obedience to God and service to others. If, however, you may be experiencing spiritual burnout, let his Spirit pour over you again. Say, “I am the Lord’s.”