By Tonya S. Swindell

“Instead of being weary, wake up!” That’s pretty much what Jesus told disciples who fell asleep on the night He was arrested and later crucified.

Jesus asked them to remain alert by watching and praying; but His friends found it difficult. So I imagine Jesus spoke to them with a firm but loving tone, saying: “Keep watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Google offers two definitions for “weariness.” The first one is “extreme tiredness; fatigue.” The second is “reluctance to see or experience any more of something.”

I have experienced weariness in both ways.

When I felt weary due to extreme tiredness or fatigue, practical activities like getting enough sleep, taking vitamins, eating properly and exercising helped me regain stamina. When I felt reluctant to endure or complete difficult tasks, it was usually because I felt afraid of failing, unappreciated by others or worried about my future.

Scriptures like “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” or “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil” were helpful. Ruminating on the title of Joyce Meyer’s book: “Do It Afraid!” also inspired me.

When I felt unappreciated, I learned the importance of talking with God honestly. Pastor Rick Warren said, “The first building block of a deeper friendship with God is complete honesty about your faults and your feelings. God doesn’t expect you to be perfect, but he does insist on complete honesty.”

The psalmist offered an honest prayer: “All day and all night your hand was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water on a sunny day until I finally admitted all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, ‘I will confess them to the Lord.’ And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.”

Worry, “a state of anxiety and uncertainty over actual or potential problems,” can also lead to weariness. The psalmist counteracted worry with declarations like “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” and “For I cried to him and he answered me! He freed me from all my fears.”

Encouragement from loved ones also helps combat weariness. Proverbs 25:11 says, “The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry. And a wise friend’s timely reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.”

Overcoming weariness may require that I complete tasks even when I feel afraid of failure, unappreciated by others or fearful about my future. Facing daunting challenges and taking worthwhile risks can help me remain alert, be mindful of personal growth opportunities and trust in the Lord’s faithfulness. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. “ Galatians 6:9

Tonya Swindell writes a blog for www.inspirenewlife.org and a teacher for Kingdom Building Equipping School (KBES.com). She can be reached at 1brightot@gmail.com.