A Prayer for God to Bring You through an Exhausting Life Phase
By Keri Eichberger
"The Sovereign LORD is my strength." - Habakkuk 3:19
“I’m tired of singing the same old ‘tired’ song,” I confessed to my friend Chelsey last week. And she wasn’t the first to hear this tune fall from my frustrated lips. I’ve felt exhausted since I can’t remember when. Did it begin when the twins were born, boosting our family of five to a full house of seven? Or was it when I turned forty, and my body began to ache in all sorts of new places while my hormones whacked out with crazy fresh flips and dips, crashing my energy around right with them? Or, maybe it’s simply the compounding years of overstuffed schedules and overcrowded calendars, causing a slow and steady, wear down of my fragile body, soul, and spirit. All are amounting to bottom-out exhaustion. And with no sign of relief. In my world anyway. Because who am I kidding, I’m not getting any younger, the twins have thirteen plus years left at home. And honestly, the reality is, there will always be something. I know you feel that.
I came across Habakkuk 3:19 in my attempt to refuel my sunken strength and journal out these thoughts in my morning quiet time. And what spoke to me is this…
The Lord’s control is my strength. When I’m worn down from trying to control situations, people, their hearts, and responses (my kids mainly)–and I’m depleted of strength–I regain strength by releasing control back to God. I reclaim his strength by acknowledging that I am not in control. Yes, I have been wasting energy while I have assumed control. Sabotaging myself of the strength I’m desperate for. The sovereign Lord (the God that is actually in control), he is my strength. Because he strengthens me as I let this truth, the truth of his sovereignty, leak into my life, penetrate my heart, cover my thoughts, and flow through all my circumstances that I’m trying to control and play God of. My self-controlled surroundings all the while wear me down.
It occurred to me that the majority of my exhaustion stemmed from my relentless attempt to control my swirling circumstances instead of resting in a steady, sturdy–yet sometimes brisk–walk of God’s will for my life.
Trust me, I know from personal day-in-and-out experience that a lot of your busyness you can’t budge. But you can shift the focus of your heart in the midst of what’s wearing down. And so can I.
When we’re beyond tired, our bodies feel frail and fragile. Our souls are weighed down with a long season of suffering and discouragement. When we are flat out exhausted and feel the burden press deeper with no relief to be seen on the visible horizon, and a sliver of strength seems impossible to come by, we need to remember that it is the sovereign Lord who is our strength. I need to remember it right now.
Friend, together with me today, will you release your cares in your current season to his control? Consider and reflect on every detail that’s weighing you down at this very moment, and speak your trust in him over each concern. Your trust that every little bit is in his hands. And allow the truth of his love and control to restore strength to your soul as you rest your heart in his unconditional care. The more you release your load to him, the more you will feel the load lighten. As he carries you one day at a time, one sovereign step at a time. Until at last you are free. Free from the heavy chains of your difficult phase.
It’s true we can’t guarantee how long each weary phase will linger. But rest assured, we most certainly can guarantee God will always carry, support, and sustain us as we release control and the heaviness to him and rest in the strength of his almighty sovereignty.
Let’s pray:
Lord, I come to you exhausted. Weary and worn down. And I need your strength. God, I don’t know when what’s wearing me down will end. But I do know that you love me. I do know that you are in control. And if I can just acknowledge that you are in control, and not me, then I can release the weight, bit by bit, ounce by ounce, and rest in your care. And then regain some strength. Help me rest in this truth. That my strength is in you and who you are. Sovereign. Yes, my strength is in the truth of your loving, sovereign control. I am so thankful that you are carrying me with your love, control, and strength. I am thankful that your rest is always awaiting me because of it. Help me rest in your power. Help me rest in your love. Help me rest in you. In your Almighty name, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/FOTOKITA
Related Resource: How to Choose Your One Word for 2026
This month on the How to Study the Bible Podcast, we’re starting a new series called One Word 2026, and it’s meant to be a gentle but intentional way to reflect, respond, and reconnect with God as we begin the year. In this episode, I’m walking you through why I love taking the whole month of January to pause and listen — rather than rushing into resolutions or putting pressure on yourself to “get it all together” by January 1. We’re going to start with Philippians 1:3–11, where Paul reminds us that we can have real confidence because God is still working in us, and He’s not finished.
Then I’m going to share six words I’ve been praying over for our community — six spiritual intentions that I believe reflect the kind of growth God may be inviting us into this year. You don’t have to choose one right away, and you definitely don’t have to force it — but I hope that one of these words will resonate in your spirit and give you a steady anchor for 2026.
This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to subscribe to the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
