Scripture tells us that God’s power is made perfect, or complete, in our weakness. But what does that mean, exactly? And how can that help us get through long, tiring winter days when life’s demands continually grow and our energy wanes? My sweet friend, speaker and Bible teacher Becky Harling, shares her soul-fortifying insights in the below post, which I snagged (by permission!) from her website.
Strength for When You Feel Weary
Do you ever feel completely spent—like you’re running on empty? Maybe you’ve been battling a relentless illness, or perhaps you’ve been pouring out your heart in prayer for a loved one without seeing change. Or, maybe you’re simply tired from the daily grind, struggling to keep up with life’s demands. Whatever the cause, we all experience seasons of exhaustion. In those times, we desperately need to find renewed strength. But how do we access it?
David reminds us in Psalm 18:1, “The Lord is my strength.” And Isaiah offers hope when he writes, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31).
The key to finding strength lies in hoping in the Lord. But what does that look like practically?
Praise: An Anchor for Your Soul
One of the most powerful tools God has given us is praise. When we lift our hearts in worship, we shift our focus off our circumstances and onto the greatness of God. Worship isn’t about feeding God’s ego; rather, it’s a channel through which the Holy Spirit fills us with Christ’s strength, right in the middle of our human frailty. As we praise Him, we become more like Him, strong and steadfast.
When I feel weary, I know God is inviting me to pause and praise. Recently, I learned that an oncologist has been giving his patients my book, The 30 Day Praise Challenge, to help them face the challenges of chemotherapy. Why? Because as they praise God, they find the strength to face each day. Friend, you cannot praise God without being strengthened—praise connects you to God’s power.
Scripture: Power for the Weary
The Word of God is more than just text to read; it’s a weapon against weariness. When we pray the words of Scripture, we stand on God’s promises, and the enemy of our souls, who wants to drag us into discouragement, is forced to retreat. Having a few key verses ready to pray over yourself can be transformative. Try verses like Psalm 27:1, Ephesians 2:6, and Isaiah 40:29-31 when you’re feeling depleted. When God’s Word becomes your prayer, His strength infuses your heart.
Community: Strength in Connection
When weariness hits, our tendency can be to withdraw, but isolation only increases the burden. Instead, we need to lean into our community and let others carry our burdens with us. God designed us for connection, knowing that our hope is strengthened when we journey together. Be vulnerable, let others in, and allow their prayers and encouragement to lift you. Often, God uses the hope of those around us to renew our own.
Weariness is a reality we all face at times, but the good news is, we don’t have to face it alone or in our own strength. The next time you feel tired and depleted, pause to praise, pray Scripture over yourself, and reach out to trusted friends. I believe you’ll experience hope and strength rising in your heart as you do. Remember, God is always ready to meet you in your weariness and infuse you with His boundless strength.
Now is a great time to start Christmas shopping! Why not purchase a copy of Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World for two or three of your friends.
This week on the Connected Mom Podcast we are talking with Kim Sorrelle about what it looks like to live I Corinthians 13 out in your home!
Get to Know Becky Harling
Becky Harling is an author and speaker, and certified coach with The John Maxwell Team. She helps those looking to move beyond their personal obstacles to live life intentionally with purpose and passion. She offers mastermind classes and seminars on leadership, communication and personal growth. She also offers personal coaching for those looking to grow emotionally, professionally or spiritually. She’s also the host of the Connected Mom Podcast and is passionate about helping people thrive. As she states on her website, “One of the reasons I am so passionate about helping you find hope, is because I know what it’s like to feel hopeless. I am a survivor of both breast cancer and childhood sexual abuse. I understand what it’s like to feel stuck and what it takes to overcome those obstacles. I learned to shift my focus. Praising God was the key. As I learned to lift my praise, my attitude became more positive and confident hope was the end result.”
Check Out Her Latest Release, Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World:
Loneliness is an epidemic, but you can live life with a deep sense of belonging.
If you’ve ever felt that ache to connect and belong, you’re not alone: three out of every five people are suffering from loneliness. No group is excluded—married, unmarried, parents, pastors, leaders, elderly, and teenagers. We all experience moments . . . or long seasons of heart-aching loneliness. And it hurts. It can hurt right to the core.
In Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World, relationship expert, mother, grandmother, and John Maxwell Certified Coach Becky Harling taps into the deep ache of loneliness and shares with readers a rich theology of belonging. Does God ache for us? What does it mean that we belong to Him? How do we establish a deeply bonded relationship with others? What steps can we take to improve our relationships?
Because we were made for God and for community, relational isolation or brokenness is incredibly painful. But we don’t have to live isolated and unconnected. In fact, we must not. Our souls were designed for more. Deeply rooted in Scripture and joined with reflection questions, this book shows us how we can strengthen our relationships and experience deep connection.
