For the Languishing (Like Me)

For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes. – Jeremiah 31:25

When I came across this verse this week, it grabbed hold of me and just would not let go. Especially the word “languish”.

The Oxford Dictionary defines languish in two ways.

The first way definitely described those of us who live with chronic illness:
(of a person or other living thing) lose or lack vitality; grow weak or feeble

Can I get an Amen?

But the second way… buckle up, Dear Ones. Here it comes:
suffer from being forced to remain in an unpleasant place or situation

What?? I know, right?!

I’ve submitted my photo to be considered as the picture that goes along with the definition in the dictionary. Fingers crossed.

I could go on and on about the word languish, but let’s get back to the beautiful promise that brought us here, instead. Because there’s no doubt we’re weary. There’s no question that we languish. But there are greater truths in the Bible than in our flimsy reality.

For I satisfy the weary ones…

This kind of weary, Lord, it’s more than a week of naps and spa treatments could even put a dent in. This weary has gone on so long that we can’t remember life without it. Nothing we have tried, nothing we have done has granted even the slightest relief.

Reminds me of another time…

And Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, “I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.” The disciples said to Him, “Where would we get so many loaves in this desolate place to satisfy such a large crowd?” And Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” And He directed the people to sit down on the ground; and He took the seven loaves and the fish; and giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. And they all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, seven large baskets full. And those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. – Matthew 15:32-38

We’re underestimating our Jesus. His compassion leads the way. It sees the problem and looks to the answer. And where does His compassion look? Upward to our Heavenly Father. He took what was available and gave thanks. God blessed His faith, and with absolutely zero pomp and circumstances, not only were all needs met, but there were leftovers, too. He is able. He has compassion. He will satisfy the weary.

 

and refresh everyone who languishes.

We’re losing vitality every single day. Growing weak is our new specialty. This unpleasant place we’re forced to remain in… well, not to be ungrateful, but unpleasant doesn’t even begin to cover it, it really doesn’t. We’ve had refreshing moments, but they are few and they are so small and short. We long for real refreshing and we’ve no idea how to go about attaining it.

How quickly I forget the lessons from the past.

For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
The wild animals in the fields will thank me,
the jackals and owls, too,
for giving them water in the desert.
Yes, I will make rivers in the dry wasteland
so my chosen people can be refreshed. – Isaiah 43:19-20

We believe our God is limited by our surroundings, our situations. This is the same God who can breathe not only life, but purpose, into dry bones. This is the same God who made air out of… well, thin air. He makes rivers in the dry wasteland and paths through the wilderness. Not to gain some great goal, not to make some bold statement. Just so that we, His chosen people, will be refreshed. It matters… we matter… that much.

 

We can trust Him.

For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes. – Jeremiah 31:25

Deep breath. Smile. Let’s begin.

 
Mighty God, we just can’t seem to wrap our minds around the fact that we mean so much to you. Satisfy us in eternal ways. Refresh us in surprising ways. Go beyond just our limited imaginations and our physical longings. Thank You for being You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…

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May God Bless You,

Shelly