Have you ever been tired? REALLY tired? The kind of tired that has you going to bed at 8 o’clock and wishing for a few more hours of sleep when the alarm goes off at 6?
With daylight savings time coming to an end, it gets dark shortly after dinner. I think my body has been fooled into thinking that dark equals late, and it must be time to sleep.
Trying to keep up with my writing schedule, house work, and family may also be contributing factors. Whatever the reason, I’ve been unusually tired. Can you relate?
A storm
Jesus was no stranger to being weary. While He walked the earth, He experienced the same things we do – even extreme fatigue. Think about it. After a day full of healing people and ministering to the crowds, Jesus and His disciples got into a boat to head across the sea. Jesus fell asleep.
In spite of a massive storm, Jesus continued to sleep until the disciples woke Him up. He must have been pretty worn out to sleep through such a violent tempest. I’m sure you’re familiar with the rest of the story. Jesus questions their fear and performs a miracle:
Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. Matthew 8:26b
The One who makes a difference
No doubt the disciples were doing everything in their power to bale the rising water out of the boat and keep it on course. The physical work had to be exhausting. Trying to do things in their own strength wasn’t accomplishing anything. The storm had the upper hand.
But Jesus was there all along. When the disciples called on Jesus it made all the difference.
The solution
I’m just like the disciples. Sometimes in my eagerness to accomplish everything on my list, I get busy working and forget to take advantage of all that Jesus offers. As a result, I get weary. His words help me to refocus:
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
We can find rest when we do things God’s way. He wants us to get in the yoke with Him and allow His strength to help us accomplish the work. Experience His peace today.
Your turn
Are you weary from doing things in your own strength? What step will you take to rely on the Savior’s strength today?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me that You are with me. I’m sorry for the many times I’ve tried to do things in my own strength. Help me be quick to call on You to help me do the things You have for me today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
