How many of us have ever felt weary in well doing? Even when we do the right things—following the Lord, reading Scripture, praying, etc.—we still can feel weary. The Bible gives us much instruction for how to not grow weary in well-doing. Let us examine Galatians 6 and its powerful solutions for not feeling spiritually tired.
Are we humble?
The first key for how to not grow weary is to stay humble; the initial three verses in Galatians 6 give us this command. It says we must not think too highly of ourselves and our own abilities, and if we do, we are deceived. Humility comes when we recognize we are nothing without God in our lives.
¹ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. Galatians 6:1-3 KJV
Another way to stay humble is to help others when they are struggling and to bear one another’s burdens. Do we render assistance when others need help? Jesus does this for us, so we can do it for others. He has compassion for us so we can have compassion for others. When we stay humble, as these verses instruct us, there will be less temptation to fall into weariness.
Are we sowing in our own strength?
When we are not humble, we will try to accomplish things in our own strength and abilities. This is a sure way to grow weary. Are we sowing in our own strength, or are we trusting in the strength of the Lord? If we are sowing in our own strength, then we are not allowing God to give us strength and wisdom from Him—which will cause us to feel faint. If we are worn out, it may be an indication that we are operating in our own strength and not God’s strength.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13 KJV
Doing things in God’s strength is the only way to accomplish anything. Operating in His strength is the way that we will not grow weary.
What are we sowing?
Additionally, are we sowing of the flesh, or are we sowing the correct things? When we sow of the flesh, we will only reap of the flesh. When we sow things like corruption, strife, bitterness, or rage, we will become weary because we will reap those same things. But when we sow into spiritual things, we will not faint.
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Galatians 6:8 KJV
We will not be weary if we sow the right things. Sowing encouragement, love, joy, peace, gentleness, and long-suffering will produce a good harvest. Verse 8 reminds us to sow into the Spirit to reap the benefits of spiritual things.
Are we losing focus?
When we look up the meaning of the word weary in Greek, it means to be spiritless, exhausted, or weak-minded. In other words, it is when we have lost our focus. Have we forgotten that we are doing everything for the Lord? Or have our motives shifted, and perhaps we are not doing things for the right reasons?
And let us not be weary in well doing… Galatians 6:9a KJV
We must not allow weariness to creep in when we do what God has called us to do. We must keep our focus correct and on the right things. If we do everything unto the Lord, we should not feel despondent or depressed. When we lose heart and see our well doing as an obligation, we start to feel like we are tanking. But we will not feel weary if our focus and attitude are correct. We may need to check our motives for well-doing and have a change of perspective.
Are we looking back?
Additionally, we must press onward to the prize with endurance. Jesus did that because He knew what was on the other side. When we start to look back, we are not looking to God for our strength. When we do not look to God, we no longer feel energized, encouraged, or built up.
And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Luke 9:62 KJV
We will grow weary if we do not keep looking ahead to the Kingdom of God. This is how we keep our focus correct and continue looking to God. We must press forward with our mindsets in the right place.
We Reap What We Sow
It is important to remember that we will reap what we sow, good or bad. We will reap whatever we have sown because this is a principle in the Kingdom of God. So if there are things that we have sown that we should not have, we can repent of sowing those things.
⁷Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7 KJV
In farming, we clearly see the principle of sowing and reaping. Whatever seeds are planted, they are the ones that will emerge. We do not get corn from a tomato seed. Likewise, we can confidently trust that the spiritual things we have sown will reap a good harvest at the right time.
Do Not Quit
The last key to how to not grow weary is that we cannot give up! If we do not allow the things of life to cause us to lose focus or quit, then we can trust that we will reap in due season.
…for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9b KJV
No matter what our circumstances look like, just on the other side is something He has prepared for us. All we have to do is not quit. Father, help us to endure temptation and never to give up!
Blessings,
Pastor Scott Harper
Bonus! Free Printable Poster “How to Not Grow Weary”
Resources for how to not grow weary:
