We are weary. I am weary. Three things (among many) have weighed on us since late winter - the pandemic, social unrest, and the election cycle. Honestly, the only thing that will end sooner than later is the election cycle; however, no matter who gets elected, we will enter another cycle of disrespecting our national leaders. 

 

The psalmist wrote, "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?" The psalmist did not get overwhelmed by Zoom fatigue. However, he was fatigued by plague, pestilence, by political machinations - not unlike where we are except by way of technology. The psalmist did end each section of Psalm 42 & 43 with these words, "Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." 

 

This is easier to say/write than it is to put into practice. Trusting in God requires the effort of obedience. It is a faith issue. It is a willingness to submit to the will of God and God's purpose/design in, and for, our lives. There are things we face over which we have little to no control; however, we have control as to the nature of our response. The Law of Love (love for God and love for neighbor) calls the church to trust God in the process because God is in control. Our response to pandemic, social unrest, or the election cycle reflects the depth of our relationship with God. 

 

There are times of weariness. We are hungering and thirsting for something more, something that doesn't drain our energy. We need replenishment. The psalmist began Psalm 42 with the words, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God..." Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God...Blessed are those that hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled..." 

 

If we partake of the living water, we will find relief. If we take upon our shoulders the yoke of Jesus, we will find that the burden is shared. If we work together as the body of Christ, we will find the strength we need so that we will gather the harvest, to the glory of God. The Church can make a difference if it makes every effort to fulfill the Law of Love. It is then that the world may see, have hope, and enjoy the fullness of life that God has designed for us to share.