Matthew Botelho

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”—Psalm 121:1-2

There are times when I get weary, I admit it. After working long hours at a physically demanding job, I am surprised I have enough left in the tank some days to keep pushing forward when I come home.

Ever have those days or even weeks where all you want to do is just shut the world off and stay in?

If the answer is yes, you are not alone, my friend; we have all experienced that type of fatigue in one way or another.

So when I thought about the verse in the above Psalm, I imagined how the writer must have felt. How his eyes must have been focused elsewhere, on the problem burdening him, maybe, rather than focusing on the solution. How his spirit seems heavy, burdened by sadness. It reads like he was questioning what, if anything, could be done. Yet, instead of continuing to focus on what was bringing him down, he eventually decided to look up and see the solution. But God!

Let’s reread it:

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.”

You might be weary, exhausted, physically and spiritually, but don’t give up.

There may be days when you don’t want to leave your house, but keep pushing forward, despite that feeling. We need to be looking up,  my brothers and sisters. Whatever problem we’re facing may “feel” big, but God Almighty is bigger.

Be reminded today that the One true God, who created heaven and earth, also made you in His image. There is no mistake why you are here, now. God has a purpose for you, and what God started in you, He will finish, rest assured. “Being confident of this that He who begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” –Philippians 1:6

We all go through those valley seasons; they’re where God is refining and pruning us—discipling us even.

God loves you so much that He will not leave you where you are right now, no matter your condition.

Maybe it’s the habits or the people in your life that need to be removed for you to grow.

Some habits need to die, and some “friends” need to be cut away. Pruning is a requirement in the life of the one who has put their faith in Jesus. One scripture that God keeps hammering at in this season is John 15:1. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”

Relationships need maintenance and building upon, especially your relationship with Jesus.

If you are feeling tired and distant from God, ask yourself this question: “What have I been doing that is draining me? Am I attached to the Vine or have I allowed myself to become attached to something else?”

Many times, throughout this season, I’ve heard the Holy Spirit say, “It is time for my children to wake up.”

It could be your job keeping you up at night, or social media posts and reels that have no purpose except to lure you away from time with God. If you have those things at the forefront of your life, you will indeed burn out. Instead, decide to turn away from them and back toward God. “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.” –1 Peter 5:6-7

It is a choice only you can make.

You may be surprised when the Holy Spirit hits you with the truth, so prepare yourself for what He might reveal. Jesus said, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come. He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” –John 16:13

What is it that has been robbing you of your time with Jesus?

Truth hurts, especially when it comes from our loving God. But when you are in Christ, remember you are His child, and He loves you. “If you endure chastening, God deals with you as sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?” –Hebrews 12:7

It takes more effort to walk up a rushing river than to walk with its flow.

Don’t walk against God’s leading, walk with Him, in whatever Way He is guiding you. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.” –Psalm 37:23-24

You may fall down a few times in your Christian walk, but remember: this is a marathon, not a sprint.

When you keep an even pace with Christ, you will feel less winded when troubles come. “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it “ –1 Corinthians 9:24

Your prize is eternal life, genuine salvation from God through His Son, Jesus.

Run this race with the strength God has given you and do not rely on yourself. The Holy Spirit has been freely given to you to empower you; He is your Helper, and He is with you always. You are sealed in Him. “In Him you also trusted after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also; having believed, you are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” –Ephesians 1:13-14

Jesus promised, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” –Matthew 28:20

Jesus said that, and I believe it!

Trust God to help you walk when you are feeling tired and unsure. Stay as close to Jesus as you can during moments of weariness. Stop focusing on the problem, or anything else that robs you of your time with Jesus. Run from what steals your time and run to Jesus!

He said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me.” –John 15:5

I pray that as you read this teaching, you have a stirring in your heart to know Jesus more intimately. I invite you today to receive the true gift of salvation that is found only in Jesus Christ. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” –Acts 16:31

If you are His and are weary, weighed down by your sins, ask for Jesus’ forgiveness and repent.

Do not let this moment pass you by. I’ll leave you with this reminder: Many times throughout this season, I’ve heard the Holy Spirit say, “It is time for my children to wake up.”

Amen.