How tired are you?

Today, I feel tired! Not the normal physical, I want to go to bed, kind but the one in your head. Some days seem filled with disappointments in relationships; difficult people to deal with, financial burdens, illness, sin and I wonder are others feeling it too? Perhaps many of us have times of feeling overwhelmed by our circumstances, bombarded with repeated trials and general problems that life seems to offer frequently and abundantly.  It all leaves me feeling exhausted and quite frankly I know I am terribly vulnerable to temptation when I am not alert and prepared to fend off the enemy. So what are we to do? The urge to pull the covers back over my head is forefront in my brain but I know there are more effective ways of re-energizing my spirit!

Do you think Jesus knew we would get tired? Not only did He know but He provided many solutions to help us when we do. One is found in Hebrew 12:3 “For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” (NKJV) When we reflect on what Christ endured, our own predicaments will pale in comparison. In doing so we are often reminded of how our focus on worldly worries is not His plan for our life. God is never surprised by these occurrences in our life. And in the book of Jeremiah we are told God has a plan…not to harm us but to prosper us! And in Romans 8:23 “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”  

A weak faith will cause us to lack confidence in God. And there are other times when our lack of confidence may be in ourselves. Maybe that’s what Joshua was experiencing. How does the Word of God teach us to face the challenges that arise with strength and courage? Look at what God told Joshua. “This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9

So, we’ve got to hang on. Don’t give up even when it feels easier than to keep going. Focus on what we know is true, good and right; God and His Word. Doing what pleases God and not man is always the right way to go. May God strengthen us to do His will and to glorify Him in all we do.