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Dear Downhearted,

You are not alone in feeling weariness in this season. This year has been uniquely challenging, and the holidays have a way of bringing this pain to the surface. Thank you for persevering, for pressing on, and for seeking encouragement. I want to encourage you that, when you feel crushed, fatigued, reluctant to go on, these are times to press into Jesus and His comfort.

This year has been very difficult for me as well. I have been feeling the weight of loneliness, temptation, anxiety, and hurt by people I’m close to. I’ve felt overwhelmed and that my yoke is too heavy. In November, feeling the weight of these burdens, I decided to read through the book of Psalms. I journaled through it each day during the month, writing down verses that offered hope and even committing some to memory to meditate on. Friend, I hope I can encourage you by sharing some of the verses that spoke to me in my weariness.

These three verses in particular nourished my soul:

1) Psalm 31:7: “I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul.”

God cares about the anguish of our souls! He sees our troubles. We can rejoice in having a Father who sees us, who knows us, and who cares about us on an intimate level. A huge encouragement for me in my suffering is feeling known, and what a privilege it is to know God sees us and our troubles.

2) Psalm 31:14: “But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying ‘You are my God!’ My future is in your hands.”

When I feel despondent, this verse reminds me that my future is in God’s hands. I may not feel strong or know if or how things will get better, but what I do know is that Jesus is my God and my future is securely in His hands.

3) Psalm 61:2: “I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed.”

One of the beautiful aspects of the book of Psalms is the authors’ transparency with bringing to light how they are feeling. Yes, I am overwhelmed! And I have the freedom to share this with Jesus. 

The book of Psalms reveals other characteristics of Jesus that show we are not alone in our weariness. Jesus:

  • Is close to the broken-hearted and rescues those whose spirits are crushed (Psalm 34:18)
  • Delights in every detail of our lives (Psalm 37:23)
  • Holds us by the hand (Psalm 37:24)
  • Knows what we long for and hears our every sigh (Psalm 38:9)
  • Holds our head high (Psalm 3:3)
  • Is our refuge (Psalm 62:58)

The Psalms paint a beautiful picture of our Savior. He hears us, is close to us, and rescues us when we are downhearted. The invitation has been extended to receive His comfort. 

In addition to how the Psalms reveal God’s character, I noticed two themes for how we can respond in our weariness. 

1) Pour your heart out to God.

Psalm 27:7-8 says, “Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”

We are invited to pour our hearts out to Jesus (Psalm 62:8) and to seek His help to free us from our troubles (Psalm 4:2). Will you accept the invitation? For me, this has looked like reading God’s word, praying, and journaling. In transparency, my heart was despondent at first, but I continued to say, “Lord, I am coming,” and to turn to Jesus with my burdens.

2) Offer thankfulness and praise as a sacrifice.

Psalm 69:30-31 says, “Then I will praise God’s name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving. For this will please the Lord more than sacrificing cattle…”

Friend, I know when you’re in the midst of despair and hopelessness that the last thing you may want to do is to put on a smile and express gratitude. I agree! Can I ask though, if you’re willing, to give it a try? This will honor God (Psalm 50:23). Thankfulness is a sacrifice (Psalm 50:14), and sacrifices in their nature are an act of surrender. Coming to Jesus with our broken and repentant hearts is what He desires (Psalm 51:16-17). What in this season are you thankful for? What about Jesus’ character has blessed you?

It is okay to feel worn out waiting for Jesus’ rescue. But we can continue to put our hope in His word and how He has revealed Himself to us (Psalm 119:51). 

Friend, I will be praying for your comfort. While it hurts and can feel futile, continue to press onward in steadfastness amidst your weariness and accept the invitation for Jesus’ encouragement.

With love,

Victoria