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. 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.

There have been times in my life of following Christ that I have become weary. The Bible has examples of this internal struggle of the mind that makes us weary of following: Jacob, when he wrestled with God before meeting up with Esau. Joseph, after he realized that one of the friends he made in prison had forgotten his promise to tell the Pharaoh of his ability to interpret dreams. Moses, when he struck the rock in anger, being weary of hearing the Israelites’ complaints, and of being the middleman between them and God. Elijah, when Jezebel was hunting him down to take his life. And Jesus, when he asked God if there was any other way or path to salvation for the people of this world. In weariness, he said, ““Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (‭‭Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭42‬)

As I think about getting weary in the course of doing good, I realize that these pillars of the faith became weary too. But they did not stay there — they moved forward with God's help. They sought after him with all of their hearts in their weariness.

This passage in Philippians is a good focus passage for me, when I am weary in following Jesus. First, God’s truth is a standard by which all of our activities, beliefs, engagements, and interactions (including thoughts and speech) are compared to. It is a beacon of light, like a lighthouse, for the weary captain to steer toward. It represents safety and security.

Second, our spiritual nobility in Christ references our membership in a holy nation. Nobility acts noble because of their heritage. In essence, they honor their hereditary line, and act in honor of those who have gone before them. I get to operate (regardless of how I feel in the moment) as a child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Third, righteousness and acting on what is right is more than just outward compliance or conformity. It is a heart and conscience-level decision to wash my heart with the blood of Christ Jesus and correct my mind and thoughts to be right, as well as my actions.

Fourth, living pure and undefiled is a commitment to reject the world, its sinful pleasures, and devious ways. I must embrace the truth instead.

Fifth, “lovely and admirable” speaks to a way and manner of conducting ourselves. We are thinking of others first, trying to understand their needs and how to minister to them as God does, by his power. People should leave interactions with me feeling built up and encouraged.

Finally, I am to pursue spiritual excellence and act in a way that is worthy of God’s praise. I am not to just do enough to get by.

In practice, we are to have life-mentors that we can model the above good behavior after. Paul was one for the Philippians. Who is/are mine?

The good news is … when I commit to living life in this way, the God of peace (and rest) is with me. My weary and disturbed soul, that sees unfairness and injustice in the world, this soul is restored and re-energized to bound and soar on the heights of God’s love like a deer on the mountain passes.

Lord, thank you for reminding me today to re-engage with you and lay my weariness and challenges at your feet. You are the one who restores me with what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy!