From “Restoring Hope: Care for Mental Health”

Are you weary? Are you burdened by the heaviness of caring for others? Our Lord knows what it is to show relentless compassion.

While we are prone to buckle under the weight of endless caregiving, our Heavenly Father never grows faint, never tires, never falters.

We are limited creatures, but our Creator is limitless in strength and constant in presence. We run—yes, run—to Him when we meet the end of ourselves. His rest and renewal remind us who we really are. His rest and renewal remind us that we must rest often. His rest and renewal will strengthen us for every good work He has prepared for us to do.

This piece is Copyright © 2024 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

This month’s study text:

Comfort for God’s People

28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:28-31 (ESV)

Reflection Questions:

This passage from Isaiah reminds us that even the strongest of us will eventually grow weary and tired. Think of times when you’ve felt worn down. What has helped you renew your strength? What kind of rest do you need when you’re weary?

As we grow weary of helping others and doing good, God promises to give us power. What is an area of life you need strengthened? How can you ask God for power to strengthen you specifically?

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV) says that, “they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.” How do you do with waiting for the Lord? How could you use help in waiting for God’s renewal and strength as you do the work of helping others?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You are the source of all mercy and love. In the midst of our service to others, we sometimes find ourselves weary and burdened by the weight of compassion fatigue. We pray especially for your servant caregiver. Grant him/her wisdom to recognize that You are the source of all healing and comfort, and he/she does not bear this burden alone. Give this caregiver consolation and encouragement through fellow Christians, uplifting one another through Your Holy Word. Grant us grace to continue extending Your love and mercy to others, as we ourselves find refreshment through Your Word and Sacraments. In Jesus’ name. Amen.