Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It’s Off to Work We Go

Did you ever have those days you just didn’t want to get out of bed? Days you didn’t want to go to school or work? Even when you were working from home, you wanted to call in sick?

I remember playing sick to get out of school, once or twice. I even put the thermometer up to a light to increase the reading. Wow, a temperature of 138. Call the morgue. In reality, I just wanted a Ferris Bueller day …

In today’s society, there is a real danger of ‘Quarantine Fatigue’ creeping into our lives – tired, negative moods, overwhelmed, lack of motivation, even physical distress. It may be connected to a post-virus fatigue syndrome (where you are coming out of having caught the virus) or just being in lock-down.

You just don’t want to do anything.

So what do you do?

Some people say I’m a little cruel when it comes to counseling. That my philosophy on life may be harsh. Though I have softened with age (like a a favorite pair of jeans that get softer and more comfortable), I still hold to the mantra – Get Over It.

Is this cruel? Is this insensitive? Shouldn’t we allow people time?

I’m not sadistic, but I also know people need to be motivated to work through and during their times of struggle. To retreat back into a shell like a hermit crab can be unhealthy and may also be the reason we miss out on blessings.

Let’s explore a verse in Psalm 126, and let’s see it from a farmer’s point of view. Verse 5 is eleven words, a mere four in the Hebrew. A short yet profound verse …

Those who sow in tears

shall reap with shouts of joy!

– Psalm 126.5

This verse can be seen as weeping for people’s brokenness, sin and lostness will brings joy with their salvation; or that God heals broken souls and hearts, changing our lives for the better. But it could also be seen as a reminder to continue serving, working and doing your duty even if your in times of sorrow, grief, fatigue and heartache.

A farmer has a particular time window to sow his seed. Some swear and live by the Farmer’s Almanac. Others go by science and research. The point is that one cannot miss that time window for sowing the seeds – or there will be no reaping the full and abundant harvest.

Working through the sadness and still planting your crop will eventually bring joy when you reap the crop.

• Students – keep doing the work … eventually you’ll get that degree.
• Keep paying down that debt, stay consistent … it will eventually be paid off.
• Keep working on that project though the tough stages … and then smile when it gets completed.
• Christians – keep on worshipping and praising God, even when you don’t feel like it … it will bring shouts of joy (in due season).

One of the lamest excuses I’ve heard for not attending church is, “I’m just not in the mood for being around people, I don’t feel like it.” Tough cookies people.

First, worship isn’t about you – it’s about God. Second, if you want to cry and whine and stay home, you’re hurting yourself. Church should be a place you find joy, hope and help. After all, this Psalm is a worship Psalm, and Ascent Psalm. (Maybe you need to find a place that does share the Word that offers joy, hope and help.)

So get off your duff, get back to the routine, and get ready to see what God has in store for you.

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When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us;
we are glad.

Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like streams in the Negeb!
Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.

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If you want a good article on Quarantine Fatigue, check this out.