Exhausted? Trust the One Who is Never Weary

Recently, I’ve noticed myself asking: “How are you doing, friend?”

This is not premeditated on my part, nor does it seem to matter how long it has been since I last saw the person—a year, one month, three days, or twenty-four hours. It does not matter.

While difficulty and challenges have always been a part of life, the time in which we live has become all kinds of crazy.

When things are extremely overwhelming, our need for expressing mounting frustration often turns to humor at the absurdity of it all. Such is the case with the over-abundance of memes splashed across our devices describing the bizarre happenings of this current season, right?

So, while we may be able to find momentary relief in humor at this all kinds of crazy, let’s not overlook the utter exhaustion many are experiencing. Most of us are exhausted, on some level. Merriam-Webster defines exhausted as “completely or almost completely depleted of resources or contents.”

What are we exhausted from?

All of it. Fear and uncertainty. Broken promises. Grief and loss. Disappointment. Loneliness. Financial challenges. This is not an all-inclusive list, for sure. Go ahead and feel free to add whatever it is you are exhausted from—and then, read on.

Notice the definition above indicates the “exhausted” are depleted of resources or contents. This should be an eye-opener for Christians and lead us to consider where we will replenish the resources or contents being depleted from us.

“The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired.” Isaiah 40.28 (NASB)

Not only in a season of all kinds of crazy but in every situation, God is our never-ending supply. On this we can depend. Scripture says He does not become weary or tired! If we are looking to Him as our resource, we have everything we need.

Yes, we require rest and renewal in this life, and God’s word teaches us how to obtain it (read Exodus 20.8-11; Mark 6.31; Hebrews 4.9-11). We can learn to discipline our routines and activities, making the adjustments needed to find rest. When going through extremely challenging times, however, the exhaustion may be more emotional in nature.

During the pandemic season and beyond, I noticed myself getting caught up in news reports or following the latest troubling events on social media. When I would lie down at night, I could not sleep. While visiting with a friend, we would rehash all the bad stuff going on in our world. By the time we said goodbye, our emotions were worked up into a frenzy. This agitation over all things left me completely exhausted.

What can we do to circumvent the exhaustion?

Worship

Throughout the day, find a way to listen to your favorite worship songs. Build a playlist. Save videos to your account on YouTube. Worship changes the atmosphere, bringing calm and peace to the soul.

Word

Spend time in God’s word. Use a daily reading plan or 365-day devotional. Many can be found free online or in an App for your device. Reading the Scriptures reminds us of God’s plans and purposes—past, present, and future—bringing assurance for the “right now” in our lives.

Pray

Take a moment to talk to the Lord. Invite Him into the circumstances of your life. Be honest about whatever you are struggling with. Prayer allows us to lay it all at His feet and walk away refreshed and renewed.