It has been an unprecedented 18 months since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. We have had to constantly adapt to the evolving pandemic measures that inevitably affected all spheres of our lives, from family to social, work and church life.

The atmosphere of dismay in the community was certainly evident when our various plans were disrupted by the new measures. 

Adjusting, adjusting, adjusting

As we try to cope with the situation while hoping for things to turn the corner, many of us are also fatigued and restless from the accumulative impact of living with the pandemic.

Our spirit has grown weary through the highs and lows, and we feel disconnected from others as a result of social distancing and working from home.

David writes in Psalm 6:2 (ESV): “Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.”

To languish means “to become weak or feeble, to lose vigour and vitality, neglect and prolonged inactivity, failing to make progress.”

Our languishing souls manifest itself in some of the following ways:

• Restless spirit – an uneasy heart and unquiet mind; something feels amiss but we cannot pinpoint the cause(s);
• Passionless – lack of “heart” in our worship and lack of excitement in spiritual matters;
• Jaded – Our emotions have been on a roller coaster throughout Covid-19;
• Isolated – we feel disconnected from our community, and alone due to limited social interaction;
• Joyless – we have lost our inner joy as we become weary in our spirit.

We may have, at some point, been in a state of languish in our spiritual journey during this season. We know deep down that this is not where we want to be in nor where God intends for us to be.

How can we flourish and rediscover joy?

Rediscovering joy

Like David, we need to acknowledge our condition and ask God for His grace upon us (Psalm 6:2).

We are limited on our own but our hope and confidence rests upon knowing that God is gracious and compassionate, and He hears the cries of those who call upon Him (Psalm 145:18).

Draw near to God. “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8a).

As we spend extended time with God, may our souls be recharged as we linger in His presence and nearness.

God invites us to return to Him.

In Jeremiah 31:25, God’s promise is sure:

“For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.” (Jeremiah 31:25, ESV)
“For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.” (Jeremiah 31:25, NLT)
“I will refresh tired bodies; I will restore tired souls.” (Jeremiah 31:25, MSG)

This is an excerpt from Moorings – Staying the Course and has been republished with permission.

The book is a compilation of devotional letters written by Rev Lam Kok Hiang while he was the Country Leader of Cru Singapore, and now writes as Leadership Mentor. With fresh edits and the addition of reflection questions, this book can be used in your personal or group devotional time. 

Moorings is not for sale but offered through love gifts. It is part of the fund-raising effort to raise $200,000 to help people know Jesus and Make Disciples Everywhere through Cru’s Reach-Build-Send initiatives. 

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