February 2024

Imagine sitting across from someone who is just Stupid Tired. This is the kind of tiredness where the person across from you can barely make sense. Their weariness is palpable. They try to laugh off the fact that they can’t get their sentences to come out of their mouth correctly because they are just bone tired. Under their bloodshot eyes, you can see moonlight shadows of exhaustion. You can see the weight of weariness in their neck and shoulders with fatigue throbbing through every fiber of their being. The person across from you may be a friend, a family member, or a co-worker who just seems to be knocked down over and over again. They just can’t catch a break physically, spiritually professionally, or financially. Perhaps the person across from you is a reflection of yourself in a mirror.

Life seems to be overwhelming for so many of us right now. My days seem filled with just sitting with people in their pain. There is tension, sorrow, grief, disappointment, and stress at every corner. As Christians, we are not immune to weariness and feeling beaten down by the trials of life. However, during our struggles, we have a source of strength and comfort in our faith. Matthew 11:28 reminds us of the invitation extended by Jesus himself: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.” (Matthew 11:28, The Message).

So, what can we do as Christians when we find ourselves exhausted, weary, and beaten down? Here are three suggestions.:

1. Find Comforting Shelter in Prayer: In John 16:33, Jesus assures us, “I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” (John 16:33, The Message).

Prayer is our direct line of communication with God, our shelter of comfort in times of trouble. When we are weary, we can turn to prayer for strength, guidance, and comfort. Pouring out our hearts to God allows us to find peace amidst the storms of life. When you are even too worn out to find words Scripture tells us that the Spirit will intercede for use when we don’t know what we should say to God (Romans 8:26-27.) We just need to keep turning to the Father and crying out His name. There is no need for eloquence.

2. Rest in God’s Word: The Bible is filled with promises of hope, strength, and encouragement. In moments of weariness, immersing ourselves in scripture can renew our spirits and remind us of God’s faithfulness. Psalm 119:105 tells us, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105, The Message). By meditating on God’s Word and allowing it to guide us, we can find direction and solace, even in the darkest of times. I want to emphasize the importance of meditation when you are exhausted. You may be so Stupid Tired that you can’t imagine even physically being able to lift a bible much less dive into an in-depth study. Meditation is often a serious reflection, thought, and rumination on scripture. You may not have the mental capacity to do any of those things right now. But meditation can also be devotion. In seasons of fatigue keep the devotion and commitment to at least listening to scripture to soothe your soul. Devote yourself to listening to the Bible as you get ready for the day, pause in a parking lot to catch your breath,  or as you fall into bed at night.

3. Lean on Christian Community: Satan is the creator of Stupid Tired. He purposefully runs us down and wears us out. He convinces us that we are too tired to be with people, or we will bring people down with our weariness, or that we have no one to rely on in the first place. We were never meant to journey through life alone. God has given us the gift of Christian community to support, encourage, and uplift one another. Galatians 6:2 instructs us, “Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law.” (Galatians 6:2, The Message). When we are Stupid Tired, we can lean on our brothers and sisters in Christ, allowing them to walk alongside us, lift us up, pray for us, and provide practical assistance. Email, text, call fight out of your fog to reach out to your people. Your season of weariness could be someone else’s season to be a blessing of stability and comfort. Just like when you come out of this season you will be a blessing of strength and energy to someone else.

Christians are not promised a life free from weariness or hardship. However, we have the assurance that in Christ, we can find rest, peace, and strength to endure. By seeking refuge in prayer, resting in God’s Word, and leaning on Christian community, we can navigate through life’s challenges with hope and resilience, knowing that we are never alone in our journey.