Shake off the spirit of heaviness

Since yesterday afternoon, I was overcome by a feeling of intense tiredness. It wasn’t that I had done anything to bring the tiredness on, I could barely function. Waking up this morning, that same lethargy seemed to pull on me as I dragged myself out of bed to have my quiet time.

The scripture in Matthew 11:29-30 came to mind
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

I thought about soldiers, battle wear and utterly exhausted, feeling dejected by the war, especially after a prolonged conflict. THAT WAS THE FEELING I HAD EXPERIENCED.

ISAIAH 61:3 CAME TO MIND – A GARMENT OF PRAISE FOR A SPIRIT OF HEAVINESS –

IN THE MIDST OF THE LOCKDOWN AND PROLONGED WAITING FOR THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN TO END, WE ARE FEELING AS THOUGH WE HAVE NO STRENGTH TO CARRY ON, WHEN WILL OUR PRAYERS BE ANSWERED? One of the definitions for “depress” is “to reduce the level or strength of activity in (something, especially an economic or biological system.) – IS THIS NOT WHAT WE HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING?

Today, I want to encourage you to put on the garment of praise, lift your hearts to the Lord and He will lift the spirit of heaviness off you. He will turn your hopelessness into HOPE. Praise is a step of Faith, so let us take that step of faith and break the spirit of heaviness that is trying to suppress our spirits.

Philippians 4:1, 4-9, 12-13, 23

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

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