What many of us don't realize is that our physical exhaustion has everything to do with our spiritual condition.
Our schedules are filled- there's an endless list of tasks needed to be done and even when we get a moments rest, we find ourselves beginning to think about the next thing to accomplish. We don't take time to take care of ourselves because of the constant pressure to keep going; feeling like a failure if we don't. We try to "out-do" other peoples' exhaustion. When hearing someone else complain about their own lives, our next thought or statement might be "if you think you're tired, imagine what I am" and before we know it, we are all sucked into our own prisons of never-ending exhaustion.
But we have the key to get out.
We don't have to feel exhausted. Let us look to God's Word for proof.
From the very beginning, God designed a day of rest, proving rest is vital for everyone. God rested on the seventh day, therefore we should rest in model after Him. How should we rest?
Martha, a woman from the New Testament that many of us know well, was once so "busy", that she missed the chance to sit at Jesus' feet. Her sister Mary, however, was right there listening to Jesus' teaching. Luke 10:40 tells us "Martha was distracted with much serving." What was Jesus' reaction?
"“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.””
Luke 10:41-42
What was that good portion? Christ Himself! Nothing is more important than Jesus Christ, but Martha let the list of tasks needed to be done to get in her way. While she was exhausting herself with her busyness, she was missing the God who can take away all our exhaustion and give us peace!
Are you "distracted with much serving"? Are you missing Jesus?
“What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun? For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity.”
Ecclesiastes 2:22-23
Does this describe you? Are work and miscellaneous tasks your main focus in life? Is it leaving you filled with sorrow and a restless heart? Have you been neglecting your time and focus on Christ?
Most of us, if not all of us, including myself, have neglected both our physical and spiritual rest.
Are you neglecting your physical needs? Oftentimes we get so caught up in our busyness that our physical bodies gradually deteriorate. In order to perform all of our tasks to the best of our ability, we must make sure we are taken care of. Make a few changes to ensure your good health (to the best of your ability). Instead of spending the end of your day watching TV, cut it short and catch some extra zzz's. Instead of passing through the McDonald's drive thru, grab some healthier, wholesome food. Once your body starts feeling better, the wear and tear of exhaustion will dwindle down. “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,” 1 Corinthians 6:19. We are commanded to take care of our bodies!
"If you're tired physically, you're more likely to be short with your spouse and kids [family and friends]. Get proper rest and eat life-giving foods" -Marriage Works
You may feel like neglecting yourself is for the best and something you can handle, but in reality- it not only affects you, but it affects the ones around you.
Most importantly, get some spiritual rest! Spend time in God's Word on a consistent basis. Not just "when I can find time." Praise Him. Talk to Him. He gives the lasting peace you need to combat your physical exhaustion. Spending ten minutes of quality time in God's Word satisfies way more than spending 60 minutes in entertainment. God will rejuvenate and revive you like no other.
"Rest sets us up for joy. When exhausted—our tendency is toward a negative, even critical attitude. Fatigue can bring out our worst, while a restored body and soul sings praises to God Almighty."
-Wisdom Hunters
“For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength...""
Isaiah 30:15
Returning and rest. Returning here means repentance. We are to repent from our sins and rest in God, paired with quietness and trust. God's next statement in this verse is:
"...But you were unwilling"
Are you unwilling to repent and rest in Christ? Are you unwilling to be still and trust God in the midst of the chaos? How then can you expect to find rest?
Copy and paste this link to listen to the song, Lord I Need You
Lord, I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You're the One that guides my heart
Let these words pour out from your mouth. Meditate on them. Meditate on God's Word. And never forget the God who holds you together.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
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