Words for the Weary

Our very tired guard dog

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 NIV

“Let us not become weary in doing good.” But sometimes I don’t even feel like being nice. Forget doing good! I’m tired. Irritable. Overwhelmed…in an Oscar the Grouch mood. All I want to do is hide from the dishes and dust that pile up while I work full-time. Is there any time left in my day to do good? God knows how hard it is for us to combat these emotions—He must, because he reminds us to persevere many times in His word. And He says He will help us.

Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. Psalm 54:4, NIV.

Our little Yorkie runs around yapping most of the morning as she barks at neighbors who dare to walk their dogs. Usually she is able to leap up on our bed, but after a morning of playing guard dog, she will look up at me with pleading eyes, begging for some help with the jump. Of course I help her. Even if she gave me a headache barking for an hour, I love her and will help in her time of need. God loves us and will help us to overcome the obstacles that seem like mountains when we are tired. I can do good in His strength. I can have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in His strength.

God wants strong children. I want strong children and hate to see them sitting for hours hugging their phones. If they don’t use their muscles, they’ll become weak and unhealthy, prone to injury. See, there’s a reason I nag. I’m the mom who knows what will benefit my children if they are willing to listen. God doesn’t expect us to be perfect, but he wants us to continue to strive for a goal—to emulate our heavenly Father.

I admire the nurses and nurses’ aides at the nursing home where I work. They can’t grow weary in doing good; it’s their job to be kind and helpful. They are able to persist in kindness no matter how difficult the resident’s demands. This humble attitude takes the strong character God desires in us.

So the moral of my blog: bark less, love more, trust in God to renew our strength each day.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2.