When the Weight Gets Heavy: Finding Our Renewing Strength in the Spirit

There are seasons in the work—seasons that feel like a marathon run through a desert. Maybe it’s the end of the year, the exhaustion of balancing work, family, and the constant call to keep our testimonies bright. Or maybe it’s the deep, steady grind of missionary preparation, where the calling feels huge and the energy reserves seem perpetually low.

I remember a time, right after a particularly intense block of training, when I felt utterly depleted. I was running on fumes, trying to keep up the pace, feeling the weight of expectation—from myself, from my companions, from the mission itself. It felt like I was constantly running on empty.

It’s so easy, when we’re deep in the field or even just doing our home-study, to mistake exhaustion for failure. We start thinking, "I just don't have enough energy to keep going."

But friends, the gospel doesn't teach us self-reliance in the sense of *self-sufficiency*. It teaches us divine dependence. It reminds us where the true, inexhaustible source of power lies.

Finding the Source: The Eagle's Lift

The beautiful reminder from Isaiah 40:31 is a lifeline for any disciple who feels weary. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

When we read that, we have to pause and really feel it. It’s not about *trying* harder to run like an eagle. It’s about *waiting* upon the Lord. Waiting implies a posture of trust—a deliberate choice to pause our own efforts and anchor ourselves to Him.

This principle applies everywhere—in the quiet moments of personal scripture study, in the challenging questions during missionary discussions, and even when we’re just trying to keep up with the administrative side of being a disciple anywhere, all the time. The Lord doesn't just give us energy; He renews our *source*.

Practical Steps for Spiritual Refueling

So, how do we practically "wait upon the Lord" when the calendar is full? Based on what I've learned from my own experiences, and what the Spirit whispers during moments of quiet reflection, here are a few things I’ve found helpful:

1. The Power of the Pause: Even a five-minute dedicated prayer, where you aren't asking for favors, but simply *laying down* the weight—the worry, the frustration, the feeling of inadequacy—can be transformative. It’s an act of surrender.
2. Deepening the Study: Sometimes, the best rest comes from the mind being fed by eternal truths. I highly recommend diving into the social scripture study layer in LivingBook. Connecting with others over a passage—a Book Club discussion, or even just highlighting a key verse—reminds us that we are part of a covenant community.
3. Seeking Counsel: Don't try to carry the load alone. Whether it’s talking to your Bishop, your District Leader, or even using Davee to walk through a tough doctrinal question, sharing the weight lightens it.

A Word of Encouragement for the Next Wave

To my fellow rogue disciples, whether you are prepping for the MTC, currently in the field, or simply trying to be a better disciple in your own home—please remember this: Your worth is not measured by your output, but by your covenant relationship with the Savior. When you feel the weariness creeping in, stop. Breathe. And remember that the Lord is the source that never runs dry.

If you want to deepen this study of enduring faith, I’ve been reading some wonderful insights from an Iron Rod author recently. I highly recommend checking out [Specific Iron Rod Author/Book Title if known, otherwise keep general].

If you're feeling the need for some guided discussion, consider joining a local Book Club or checking out the HolyPlaces group for a Bible Study Group. We learn best together!

If you’d like to practice turning these principles into action, I encourage you to try out a free weekly Disciple Challenge this week!