My dogs and I try to walk every day. Some days, I find that we seem to fly around our route. Our time passes quickly and pleasantly and is over all too soon. But on other days, it’s more like the trudge. The Oxford dictionary defines the word trudge as to walk slowly and with heavy steps, typically because of exhaustion or harsh conditions.

Exhaustion or harsh conditions can slow down our physical walk and also our soul’s journey. When life is going well, our relationship with the Lord seems to be sweet and full of thankfulness and endless hope—like having wings. Our soul rejoices. The days fly by as we enjoy such calm, happy times. When hardship arrives on our doorstep, however, life often becomes more of a trudge as we seek to move forward each day, dragging our faith along with us.

Years ago, I remember visiting with a friend who was weary from the struggles of life.  He quoted the following verses to me:

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

~Romans 5:3-5 NIV

When he had finished, he sighed and uttered, “I’m so sick of character building.” We both laughed at his remark, yet I still remember feeling the weariness of his trudging soul.

Amidst such trudging times, even though we may feel so, we are, however, never alone.  The Holy Spirit is trudging right beside us, reminding us of the following:

• The Lord himself goes before you (Deuteronomy 31:8).
• He is able to lead you in the right path (Psalm 5:8).
• He, the God of peace, is able to provide you with every good thing you need in order to do his will (Hebrews 13:21).
• He is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in wisdom (Isaiah 28:29).
• He hears our pleas (Lamentation 3:56).

Therefore, let us not despair when life causes our souls to trudge. Instead, may we rejoice in the Lord’s love and ability to transform our trudgings into all good things in Christ Jesus: spiritual maturity and hope in the Lord, the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will walk and not be faint.

~Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV

Let God renew your strength when the trudges come. 

Lord God, You who strengthen the weary and increase the power of the weak, thank You for always being with me, hearing my cries, and providing me with all I need to rejoice in my trudging. Help me to persevere, knowing that it produces character and hope that will never disappoint me. In Christ’s name, amen.

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: The Trudge: Lynne Phipps: All Rights Reserved.