Question: What is that?
Answer: a type of mental disorder, characterized by anxiety, depression, and loss of motivation, caused by the stress of active warfare.
In the first world war, soldiers were stuck in the trenches for month on months in atrocious conditions - not going anywhere backwards or forwards. Many young men lost their minds in the struggle and were shot as deserters.
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Sometimes I do forget that, as believers, we are in a spiritual battle. It's a long drawn out war of attrition. Here's the definition of such a war:
Attrition warfare is the sustained process of wearing down an opponent so as to force their physical collapse through continuous losses in personnel, equipment and supplies or to wear them down to such an extent that their will to fight collapses.
I'm sure that many of us are feeling it right now - a bit worn down with the situation - hemmed in by circumstances. Perhaps we've developed "the 1000 yard stare" tired of trying to be positive, tired of prayers that seemingly go unanswered - tired of all the endless stream of bad news, daily deaths and decree upon decree from government thwarting our existence and return to normality.
I recognised it in myself over the last two days. Something that we've prayed and strived for over months, now, when it could be so near - suddenly I've run out of steam. Why?
Wouldn't it be silly to down tools so close to the end?
Our adversary knows very well he's not going to win the war, so he's content to take down as many who will in his guerrilla warfare. He's content to get minor victories in small skirmishes. At such times, it behoves us to stand! Don't give ground, just stand.
Yes, I've run out of steam - but I'm standing - knowing God is faithful. I'm holding up the shield of faith so that those fiery darts don't reach me.
Ephesians 6:13 So use every piece of God’s armour to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and when it is all over, you will still be standing up.
14 But to do this, you will need the strong belt of truth and the breastplate of God’s approval. 15 Wear shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the Good News of peace with God. 16 In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. 17 And you will need the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the Word of God.
In physical warfare, the army tries to wear the enemy out. Those who aren't in the best shape mentally, emotionally and bodily are likely to succumb to combat fatigue and end up being stretchered off the battlefield.
At these times of spiritual and emotional weariness, I need to strengthen myself in the Lord - by drawing on His strength and not try to muster up my own.
Galatians 6:9, NIV: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Hebrews 12:3 [various versions]
For think diligently upon him that endured such opposition from sinners against himself; that you be not wearied, fainting in your minds.
Think of what he went through; how he put up with so much hatred from sinners! So do not let yourselves become discouraged and give up.
Just consider and meditate on Him who endured from sinners such bitter hostility against Himself [consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Stand with me - lift up that shield of faith to protect our minds from over thinking things, our hearts and souls from discouragement and our spirits from giving up.
Lord Jesus, please stand with us, as you promised, and help us as we feel weary and drained in our situations. Send us out into the day with renewed vigour in the Holy Spirit.
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