The Blessing of Being Tired
By Keri Eichberger
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)
Alright God, you must want me to talk to you more… again.
This was the conclusion I came to about thirty minutes into my middle-of-the-night insomnia episode, which lasted several hours, until I finally dozed off a mere forty-five minutes before my alarm clock would be sounding. And this definitely wasn't a first. It seems the more the years pass, the more frequently I find myself here.
But, I’ve begun to wonder—being that I believe God has control of all things, including my ability to sleep soundly or not—that he must have a reason or something good he wants to bring about from my wide-eyed but very still state. I certainly hope so, because nights like this lend to groggy, foggy exhaustion in the days ahead. Where my energy is low, and my mental capacity feels frail and limited. Where weariness starts to set in.
I know we don’t all have such sleep issues. In fact, I’m very well aware, because my dear husband can sleep anywhere, at any time, under most any circumstance. But, here’s something else I know… We all eventually find ourselves worn out and weary. Tired isn’t only a result of a lack of sleep. Yep, I’ve experienced my fair share of this too.
The world has a way of wearing us down. We’re tired due to demands and expectations of others, overcrowded calendars, overstuffed minds, and heavy, hurting hearts. Sometimes, we’re simply tired of trying. To be better, feel better, look better. We’re just flat-out tired. Our strength seems squandered. Where is the strength we’re desperate for?
The Bible tells us that the Lord will supply all our needs (Phil. 4:19), and also repeats the truth that he is our strength. But why does it seem he’s not supplying me the strength I need sometimes?
Are you tired? Physically, mentally, emotionally exhausted? Have you ever wondered why God is holding out on strengthening you, too?
I had a realization recently. An epiphany of sorts, really.
If God doesn’t seem to be sending much strength my way these days, even as I plead and pray for it, isn’t the “not much” just as much from him as the large doses others appear to receive? Or that I have at other times been offered? I suppose so. He must always be giving me just what he intends me to have. And if it’s less that he chooses for me or you, there must be a reason for it.
Yes, I believe God always wants us to come to him and ask him for what we need. And he may answer fast with an equipping to move. But not always. If you are truly seeking his will and way, I also believe he is intentionally supplying the little, or the lot of, strength you are being fueled with this very day. If he has yet to fill your tank, if you are still functioning on fumes, leaving your capacity without the fortitude to fight the hard things you face, consider that he may be allowing your tired state so you’ll rest. Or rest a bit longer. And in him.
I bet refreshing rest does sound amazing to you. But if you’re anything like me, you’re also hesitant and unsure how the world will handle your stillness. How your house, your people, your guilty conscience, will handle it. I know it can be a struggle to truly rest in God‘s sovereign strength while we sit more still. But just remember, it’s in our weakness his power and strength are made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Friends, we know that everything that happens is filtered through his fingers. And that whether he didn’t allow you to sleep last night because he wants you to talk with him, or he’s letting weariness wear you down so you’ll lean more on him in this season, it is a blessing from above. If we cling to him, he will use our lack of strength to still us, so he can refill us.
He lets us tire, and sometimes stay there, to remind us or force us to fill up on our true source of fuel. Our Jesus. The only lasting source of strength for our souls.
Being tired can be a blessing to encourage us to rest in him. He who offers perfect love. He who offers joy in his presence. He who will keep fighting for you while you feel you can’t. He who wants you to be still until your strength is restored… with him.
Intersecting Faith and Life:
Christ follower, consider your strength level today. Whatever you have to offer, it is a gift God gave you. He has heard and hears your requests. He knows what you need. He knows what you have. And he isn’t asking you to give more than that. So, spend some time thanking him for this gift, and rest your weary soul in him today. He would love nothing more, dear, cherished child of God.
Further Reading:
Matthew 11:28
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Marcos Calvo
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