image from Variety
I get tired physically, although I feel fine until I do “too much,” which is much less too much than a year ago. I get tired emotionally from disappointments and the wounds of life. I get tired of not growing in my closeness to God in the same areas. But the film Jeremiah Johnson touched me. Johnson arrived in the trapping era knowing little, but was mentored by an experienced trapper. They met again at the end with a conversation that gave me some tips. Just below, the first two and last two lines are from the film.
Come far pilgrim?
Feels like far
a long road
I’ve had some doubts
about you
about me
So have I
People have hurt me
with ignorance
with hate
with not caring
Same here, pilgrim
Yet I still have far to go
I’m weak and tired
I know so little
except it’s far
I’m here always, pilgrim
Good
the journey is long
Were it worth the trouble?
Hah? What trouble?
Four suggestions from Jeremiah and God’s word help when we get tired. First, know that tough times are typical. Jeremiah dealt with attacks from the Crow people through the film, and Peter addressed that, “do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12). Hardships come in a multitude of forms, so don’t think God picks on you. Life and people do. That’s normal.
Second, replenish. Find what restores your mind and heart and soul. Jeremiah had his family and cabin, and Jesus knew what worked for him, “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God” (Luke 6:12).
Carve out time in your schedule to get away from the demands and frustrations. God created the Sabbath for that: a day to rest and replenish and connect with him. We ignore the Sabbath day of rest at our own peril.
Third, do what you can, then leave the rest to God. Knowing that God doesn’t hold us responsible for results relieves much of the pressure. Jeremiah learned his trade and was alert, so we can do the same and not stress over the outcomes. Paul told us, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor” (I Corinthians 3:6-8)
Fourth, eye the prize, or look on the long-term goal. Jeremiah had a hard life, but didn’t view it as trouble, the life was worth the struggle. Paul echoed that, “I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). The previous verse said that God will reward us for our patience through difficulties.
Kick Starting the Application
How do you deal with tiredness? What works for you? What hasn’t? Does one of the four tips above look helpful to you?