Overcoming WearinessSample

The weariness of Spirit.

The book of Galatians gives some very big insights into the root reasons behind our Spirit's weariness. I encourage you to read the whole book for today's devotion. When I read through Galatians, I pulled out all the phrases that point to the types of behaviour contributing to our Spirit's weariness.

• Turning away from God – (1:6)
• Following a different way – (1:6)
• Being fooled – (1:7)
• Twisting truth – (1:7)
• Pleasing people – (1:10)
• Human reasoning – (1:11)
• A fear of criticism – (2:12)
• Trying to become perfect by human effort – (3:3)
• Earning favour – (4:10)
• Human attempt – (4:23)
• Human effort – (4:29)
• Trying to find favour – (5:3)
• Comparing yourself to others – (6:5)
• Wanting to look good to others – (6:12)

To give a little context to this book, we have Paul challenging the Galatians because they have been sidetracked by false teachers who were teaching that they need to be circumcised to be made right before God; in other words, trying to follow the outward ceremonies of the Mosaic law in order to be truly saved. In Galatians 3:2-3 Paul says this, “Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own HUMAN EFFORT?”

The weariness of Spirit is summarised by these two words - human effort.

One of the biggest lies the enemy wants you to believe is that you must “earn, perform, achieve or attain your righteousness through your own human effort." That your value and self-worth are based on what you DO. Paul is confronting the Galatians, who have forgotten the freedom they already have in Christ. When they place themselves back under a mindset of performance… the result is a weariness of Spirit.

Ephesians 2:8-9 sums it up so beautifully. “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”

We ultimately have a choice to live under the promise of Jesus or the performance of self. However, choosing the latter option will lead to a weariness of Spirit.

Reflection:

• Do you struggle to receive the good news of your right standing before Christ as a gift?
• What is the lie holding you back from receiving this gift of life?
• What areas of life do you struggle with performance?
• What do you believe God is saying to you in this space?

Pray:

Lord, forgive me for trying to shift back into a posture of work by trying to earn my right to stand before you. I pray for a revelation of my position before you as chosen, redeemed, forgiven, righteous, restored, accepted and loved. Teach me to walk with you beside still waters as I grow in knowing your heart for me. Amen.