“God’s grace and forgiveness cannot be exhausted, so overcome your exhaustion with His inexhaustible grace.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 26, 2021
Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow him and who were left behind at the Besor Ravine. They came out to meet David and the people with him. As David and his men approached, he greeted them. 1 Samuel 30:21
The holidays can be exhausting: travel, cooking, family drama and finances. You may be too exhausted to take one more step forward, as your faith is fatigued and your energy is sapped. It is not because you are unspiritual, but because you are spent. It is time for a rest; otherwise, you are a prime candidate for burnout. Exhaustion is overwhelming unless you pace yourself. It is God’s warning to slow down and His appeal for you to adjust. You can choose to slow down or your Savior will help you slow down, sometimes with sickness. Do not think you have to keep up with others who have a greater capacity, as God has a place for you to perform within your passion, skills, and giftedness.
Following God does not mean you cannot vary your responsibilities. Variety is the spice of serving Christ, so be willing to humble yourself, and do something different. You may be surprised to see new enthusiasm erupt like a brilliant Roman candle on the Fourth of July. A change in environment can keep you from coming apart from exhaustion. Maybe this means you pray for the project and the people, as it is the Lord’s lever to move past persistent problems. In prayer, reset your life in the new year. Prayer brings peace, calm, and clarity.
“There still remains a place of rest, a true Sabbath, for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9).
Some will not embrace your “exhaustion excuse,” and they may even criticize you as weak or unspiritual. They might talk behind your back in resentment, but you cannot control the reactions of those you thought wanted what’s best for you. They are probably feeling the effects of exhaustion themselves. Fatigue makes everyone feel a little fearful. They are venting their frustrated feelings that are rising from weakness, and you happen to be the most convenient target for their complaints. Pray they will have the courage and trust to rest in Him at the right time, for the right reasons.
In the meantime, take the time to recover from your exhaustion. Trust God with the results of your work, and trust that you will receive what’s fair from the authorities over your life. You may need an extended sabbatical or a vacation to properly extinguish your exhaustion. Use emptiness to enhance your relationship with the Lord.
Slow down and be with your Savior, for His mercy extends you the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of your labor that led to your wearisome condition. By God’s grace, you will overcome exhaustion, but it takes time and faith. Trust Him and trust others with delegation to get the job done. The work will be there when you get back, so be patient. This is the time for your healing, as He will make your relationships whole again. His grace and forgiveness cannot be exhausted. Overcome your exhaustion with His inexhaustible grace.
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength…” (Isaiah 40:29-31).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, take my exhaustion and energize me with quiet trust in You and forgiveness of others, through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What opportunity or person do I need to stop striving over and instead rest in God’s provision?
Related Reading
Jeremiah 6:16; Psalm 4:8, 62:1; Matthew 11:28; Hebrews 4:10-11
Worship Resource
The Porter’s Gate feat. Madison Cunningham: Little Things With Great Love
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