Weary and Worn Out

“My heart whispers to God, ‘Do You know that I am worn out? Do You see how hard I’m trying? Do You know I can’t keep up?’” –Angela Thomas, Do You Know Who I Am?
I didn’t write this, but I could have, and I would venture to say many others could have written it too. Some days weeks I feel exhausted and worn out. It doesn’t matter what I do because it never seems like enough, and no matter how hard I try to keep up, I can’t.
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NLT)
For years this has been one of my favorite verses. I feel like Jesus is telling me directly, “I know how your struggles weigh you down. Come to me and rest.”

I know I need to rest—physically, spiritually, and emotionally—but there is so much I’m responsible for, I can’t get myself to slow down long enough to replenish. I struggle with giving myself permission to let go of something for a while and relax.

God not only gives that permission, it’s the way He created us—to need rest. And He provides it…physical rest for our bodies, spiritual rest for our souls, and emotional rest for our hearts. Through His power, God renews us.
Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
(Isaiah 40:28-30 NLT) 
God never feels weak or weary. He is never exhausted. Through His limitless understanding, He knows everything about me—how hard I try, how disappointment and discouragement drain me, and how worn out I am.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:31 NLT)  
Hope and trust in this world is crushing, but hope and trust in the Lord is uplifting. He sets me on eagle’s wings—with strength and energy, a new attitude to face the day, and a new resolve to persevere.

Thank you for joining me here today. We are in chapter 4 “Do You Know I Am Worn Out?...He Does Not Grow Weary” of Do You Know Who I Am? by Angela Thomas.

In Christ,
Laura

27 comments:

  1. "Hope and trust in this world is crushing, but hope and trust in the Lord is uplifting" SO True! When we are weary so many other things are out there offering comfort, but none like Jesus! His hope and strength never disappoints. Stopping by from OYHT - May you find rest and hope in Him today blessings

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    1. Thanks Danise! You're right, worldly things look good but they can't provide true comfort. God bless!

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  2. How I wish I never grew tired and weary! But when I do I know if I look upwardly, to God my Father, for strength, peace and hope He will soothe my weary heart. He is our refuge and strong tower when we are weak! Everything we need is in Him. :)

    Blessings & Love Laura,
    Denise

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    1. Amen Denise! Thanks for your visit and comment!

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  3. What a great line, "God never feels weak or weary. He is never exhausted." Laura, this is so beautiful. Thank you!!

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    1. Mary, thank you for your kind words! Blessings to you!

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  4. Yes! This is such a good reminder. I tend to feel really guilty when I think I've been "lazy," so then I try all the harder to be busy...sometimes to the point of spreading myself so thin I don't have time for God, my husband or myself! Thank you for this reminder!!

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    1. We can certainly defeat ourselves, can't we?!? I have to tell myself it's okay to slow down. Thanks for visiting Jaimie!

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  5. I find that I am more prone to sinfulness when I am tired.

    Often when I am tired, it is because I've been eating all the wrong things, not getting sufficient exercise, and going to bed late and getting up early! All these things the wisdom of God's Word teaches about but I don't always pay attention to! As a result, I become grumpy and sluggish - none of which is God glorifying.

    There have also been stressful situations, trials, etc which have brought emotional and physical tiredness but despite all this, God is very definitely sufficient for such times as we learn to rest in Him.

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    1. I find that it's easy to get caught up in all the busyness, even when I think it's for God, before I realize how I'm exhausting myself and not really spending quality time with Him. Thanks for your visit and comment Wendy!

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    2. I definitely know what you are saying. I am prone to ungratefulness and sin when I am tired and having the "feelings" take over! But thank God for humility and a way to practice in confessing sin and asking for forgiveness, especially from my family who see me at my worst some days!

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    3. Being tired, especially overtired, can really mess us up. Not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. When I'm tired I don't censor myself--I act out of emotion, often saying & thinking things I shouldn't. It leads to a lack of thankfulness and not seeing my blessings.
      Thanks so much for your visit and comment Tina!
      In Christ,
      Laura

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  6. It is so good to trust a God who never fails. His strength endures forever,as does his love!

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  7. Wonderful words, alot to think about too.

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  8. Our God is so faithful to be there, give us rest, carry us... He is so amazing.

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  9. I love that quote by Angela Thomas. Those are words that every believer can relate to, at some point in their life.

    Yet, somehow, God remains faithful thru the times of darkness and tiredness.

    Thank you, Laura!

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  10. Thank you for your honesty Laura. I think at some point we all feel the same way - weary and worn out. But just like Matthew 11:28 says God will give us rest.

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  11. It is SO hard to rest sometimes...especially since I have little kids! But it's true, God will give us strength...thanks for sharing this great message.

    Stopping by from the Networking Blog Hop...I am your newest follower! I would love if you would check out my blog and if you like what you see please follow back :)
    Modern Modest Beauty

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    1. Thanks so much for your visit Jenny! God bless!

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  12. Hi Laura, I am sorry that I have to post it here. Just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. You can see more of it @ http://charinabrooks.wordpress.com/2012/05/26/versatile-blogger-award/

    Blessings!

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    1. Thank you Charina! It's a blessing and an honor.

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  13. I was thinking these very words this morning. I'm tired and worn out and feel like there is not enough of me to go around. I know I need rest, but like you said it's hard. I feel lazy if I do. But God says for us to rest-so that is what I'm going to TRY to do. Thanks for this, I needed to read these words today.

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Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

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