Last night at approximately 7:30 I said something I rarely say. I’m tired. Well, I didn’t actually say it out loud, but I texted it to my husband who was up north at our cabin while I was at church with a passel of kids. Rarely do I admit that I’m tired, but then it’s rare that I get to that point. Last night was it!
It was a God moment. Do you ever have those? Something isn’t right and you recognize it as a symptom of something else, a cause that requires a little super sleuthing to figure it out? It’s not that I’m tired because I’m sleep deprived. So that’s not it. Do you ever feel wrung out even though you sleep enough? Matthew 11:28-29 says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Lack of rest isn’t the culprit, so what else?
Let’s dig a little deeper. I see the wheels turning and gears shifting. If you feel like you’re just all washed out and running dry, maybe you can try this too. Let’s review.
Things are going pretty well for me right now. I have interesting projects to work on, lots of support from friends and family, and I am happy. Is everything perfect? No, of course not, but I love the life God has given me and there are many satisfying aspects of it. Jesus said in John 8:31-32 “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” So my life isn’t perfect, but it’s my life – clay in the Potter’s hands.
This is when God started to reveal where things are starting to derail. Has your car ever started to go off the road while driving on a rutted country road and found that it takes a whole lot of physical muscle and brain power to get back on the right track? OK so now you know what I mean be being derailed. Still in the car but pulled off track too often.
I’ve been enjoying so many activities in my life I’ve gotten lazy in certain parts. I could call these life parts segments, but our lives are not lived in segments. Everything blends together with one thing impacting another. Last night, as I was reviewing – well OK, picking apart and analyzing – why I was feeling so drained, true to his word, God revealed what I needed. These will be different for you, but God reminded me that my doctor has given approval for me to exercise – and lately I have been pushing that to the bottom of the list because there are so many exciting projects to do instead. I know for a fact that exercise is key to energy and also for attitude. Jeremiah 31:25 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” God can only do that refreshing part if I do my part.
I have also been very discouraged because my metabolism has tanked and extra weight is finding me even when I run from it hard by skipping meals and skimming on specific nutrients I need to fuel my body. Now before you tell me that these two factors will have an impact on my ability to enthusiastically enjoy this life I love – I’ve got that! Someone said I know that I know that I know – and I could say that too. I love this verse for that exact reason. Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Maybe I’m the only one who at times feels soaked up, wrung out, and run-over tired – in my case it’s self-inflicted. I had 4 separate helpful communications yesterday and as I thought about them last night, I know God used those moments to get my attention. When I said “I’m tired.” I wouldn’t just assume I needed rest. Instead I need to get back on track and take care of my life – all of it – body, soul, spirit. If you have similar things to work on, I’m hanging onto this verse and you can too. Galatian 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Ready team? Let’s get out there.
I woke up hearing this song and it went straight to heart. Oceans by Hillsong
Because of Grace we Press On
This one ~> Galatian 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” ~ is one of my favorites about not giving up…
And no, you are not alone… I have begun to feel as if it is more of a “soul-weary” feeling. As if my heart were tired.
I am so glad this is the first chance I had to come over and read this one, Jane ~ yep. Now? Now I will have my quiet time with God and Bible study. I am too tired and lately I have been the same as well as battling this silly cold that will not go away, so I have skipped my own nutrition and energizer- (excuses, excuses…) my time with God.
I’m not sure why, but if I stop and take time to have a meeting with the Master I seem to find a little more time. I just went grocery shopping and bought frozen fruit and vegetables. It’s out of my budget but it’s necessary and God knows it’d a need not a frivolous want.