Monday Encouragement
Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. John 4:6 NKJV
John chapter six contains the beautiful story of Jesus and the Woman at the well. In our rush to get to the heart of this story, we may overlook the insight provided in verse six.
John tells us that Jesus was “wearied from His journey.” The CSB renders it “worn out from His journey.” It’s the same word used to describe the “hardworking farmer” in 1 Timothy 5:17, and Simon and his partners “toiling” while fishing all night and catching nothing in Luke 5:5.
Here in John 4, Jesus is “weary” from his journey. He’s tired. It’s a reminder that He is not only the Son of God, but also the Son of Man. It’s a glimpse of his “humanness.” While sinless, He’s perfectly human, and with that comes weariness and fatigue.
I’m writing this on a Monday. For a lot of pastors, Monday can be difficult. Sunday has come and gone, and it may not have turned out the way they hoped. And even if Sunday was a banner day, there is still the weariness from all the energy that’s been expended. The old joke is “Never quit on a Monday!” That’s still good advice, by the way.
I love this thought about Jesus being “wearied from His journey.” That's the way I’ve felt in recent months. Decades of ministry, coupled with completing a doctoral degree, have left me “weary in my journey.” Plus, I’m not as young as I used to be, so I don’t bounce back as quickly as I once did.
To restore my energy, I’m focusing on four areas in particular:
I’m being intentional about getting more sleep
I’m being intentional about not overloading my schedule
I’m being intentional about focusing on my primary calling and giftings
I’m being intentional about admitting my weakness to the Lord and asking for His strength
I guess I could summarize all these by saying I’m coming to grips with my own “humanness.”
I’m clinging to this truth: For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses…. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 ESV
How about you? Do you need to make some adjustments to your life and schedule to recover from your weariness?
Why not start today?
Book Recommendation: The Unhurried Pastor