The trail of clothing gave evidence of weariness.
A coat was flung on a chair, shoes were dropped, pants laid on the floor with the belt still in the loops and a shirt barely hung on the bed post. The effort required to put everything in order was overcome by exhaustion.
Who hasn’t been there? Who hasn’t experienced those long days of giving your best and being completely spent; of releasing the weight of a brief case or tool box, books, grocery bags or laundry baskets and not having the energy to pick them back up. We know what needs to be done, but, for the moment, we can’t find strength to do it. Just a little rest is needed before we can press on. That’s reality. Most understand it and discipline themselves so they can endure the rigors of life. To do anything less invites chaos. Yet, for many, the most crucial elements of life have been laid aside and little effort has been made to pick them up again. They are the things of God.
We are more than physical bodies and our ability to endure is tied to the vitality of our souls. In Ephesians 6:10-18, we are reminded of the spiritual clothing and essential tools needed for our well-being. The source of strength and perseverance in a weary world is clearly defined.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”
We spend a lot of time picking up temporal things because they affect our quality of life. It takes effort to rise above the hardships and demands of each day and our motivation is usually the desire for happiness, peace and prosperity. Why then would we neglect to put equal effort into the eternal truth of God’s Word; truth that empower us with wisdom to discern danger, courage to stand in the face of adversity and readiness to guard our God-given liberty.
Of course we grow weary in our flesh, but the One who made us knows how to restore us. Just as He has given physical rest for our bodies, He offers spiritual renewal for our souls. True quality of life depends on whether we have been clothed in the righteousness of the Lord.
Maybe there is evidence of weariness in your life. Jesus offers rest and then calls you to pick His gifts back up so that you will be clothed in truth, shielded by faith, wrapped in peace, secure in salvation and empowered by His Word.
Such things were never intended to be left laying around.
