Are you tired? Yeah, me, too.
Lately, it’s to my core.
I know you and I are dealing with different things that exhaust us. Whether it’s late-night feedings, wrapping up an important project for work or even a fun night out with a close friend, it still makes us tired.
Just like busy, we can wear tired like a badge. As we grasp our choice of caffeinated beverage, it’s easy to compare the level of our tired-ness and lack of sleep.
We’re busy. We’re frantic at times. The flight or fight pace we lead is exhausting.
To feel rested again. Those were the days.
But tired, it’s no excuse.
Tired is NOT an excuse to. . .
be grouchy
show up late
argue with the ones you love
give up
say everything you’re feeling
have a pity party
eat what ever you want
compare your life with hers
or begin to believe Jesus isn’t near.
Tired IS an opportunity.
{I’m going to type that again for my own benefit.}
Tired is an opportunity.
We can come to The Lord {the One who never tires} and He will give us rest.
Our souls will find rest in God alone. And our bodies will follow.
He will give us strength since we are weak {and tired}.
Others will be astounded by our joy-filled energy in our time of need because God is our strength.
We have the opportunity to draw close to God in our time of need. For the One Who Loves Us to blow new life into our weariness. Just like He has promised, Jesus will refresh our hearts.
Take a nap if you can. Put a curfew on yourself if need be. But draw near to God even when you’re tired.
Jesus will refresh us.
βCome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.β {Matthew 11:28-30}
Jennifer Camp says
I so needed to hear this, Stephanie. “Tired is an opportunity.” (And I am so tired as I write this!) Thank you. Looking forward to leaning into Him even more now.
Ashley Campbell says
Thank so much for the encouragement, I was tired yesterday but got some rest in today. Definitely a good reminder to draw near to The Lord even when we are tired, for his renewing and love. He blows new life into us! love it. π
Penny says
I’m reading this in the wee hours of the morning as I’m up, again, with a toddler that finds the black of night an intriguing time to spend with mommy. I have used tired as an excuse, for many things, things I’m not very proud of. Today I will practice seeing tired as an opportunity to rise above my circumstances and show God’s love and showcase His strength.
Jasmine Wilson says
Thank you
Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) says
I really, really needed this today. I have a 6 week old so late nights are our world right now. I also have a special needs daughter and thus our week is non stop, full of therapy and Dr. appts. We never have time to stop and just chill, despite being exhausted all week long. Thank you for the reminder that tired is an opportunity. So, so true! Love this perspective. Going to embrace it today!
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says
Stephanie,
I used to think that once my children were grown, I would finally be able to rest more and not be so tired. I have learned that with every season in life, there are different circumstances that can make us tired. But, as you said, it is not an “excuse” it is an “opportunity” to lean into the One who can bring rest to our souls. If we could do it on our own, we wouldn’t need Jesus. Every day I have to make a concerted effort to put on His yoke which is light. Thanks for a wonderful reminder…and may you find some rest today!
Blessings,
Bev
Bekah says
So well said. I love it. Thanks for reminding me of the invitation to come to the Lord for rest!!
Anna says
Thank you! I needed this today….
Summer says
Praising God for this reminder today. I find myself making mistakes when I don’t stop the crazy to renew my mind with God’s peace, for His glory.
Thank you!
Patty says
Thank you for the reminder.
Missy June says
My most tired days seem to be the ones where I’m most aware I need to access God’s strength, comfort and trust Him to lead my path because I’m just too weary. Looking back, I don’t know how I managed some seasons (single mother with newborn and two toddlers, working, breastfeeding, too much for any one person!). I can only think God somehow carried me! I know He did.
These days are more restful, but I still pray each morning for strength to rise and face the tasks of the day. It’s a habit of desperation that has inspired me to never give up.
Heather Hitchcock says
Whew, that’ll preach! Exactly what this heart needed this morning to remain in His presence and live in His strength today, tomorrow and every day, without excuse! Thank you!!
Alicia says
Thank you for writing this, Stephanie! I think there are many of us who needed to hear your words today.
Jacqueline Presley says
This is so right on & just what I need to hear today. I shared it on my blog’s Facebook page. Thank you for speaking truth.
cdj says
Great post! saying no to “excuses” and yes to “opportunities” … huge!
Pamela Brooks says
Thank you. I really needed to hear that today. I have been battling with sciatica for a week now and am exhausted. Can’t sleep as I am so uncomfortable. And then I need to work all day on my feet. I have been having a pity party for days now and need to rest in Jesus knowing He will carry me when I am to week to walk. Asking for prayer not only for healing but also that I may be a witness at work to His great name. That I would remember each moment He is right by my side giving me rest in my soul.
Beth Williams says
Pamela,
Prayers for complete healing! May God swoop down and cover you with His healing hands!! In the meantime I pray you can be a sweet witness to others as you struggle!
Blessings π
Susan Shipe says
Tired. I am not physically tired – but I do tire of “stuff”. Your writing brings new perspective – reminds me that being tired of such and such brings opportunity to pray. Reading Pamela Brooks comments makes me tired of pain for people, so many in chronic pain and I want to pray more. Tired takes all forms…
Jedidja says
Thanks for this refreshing blog. This brought tears in my eyes!
Jennifer says
What a timely post! My friend and I were discussing the fact that she has some important deadlines, and that she is exhausted. We have been talking about the importance of abiding. Sharing this! Thanks so much!
Joy DeKok says
It does seem like when I ask someone how they are, or someone asks me, the first response is, “I’m tired.” After reading your post, I realize I do need to put a curfew on myself! Who knew at 56 I would need to do that? Excellent and encouraging advice, Stephanie. I am grateful for it today.
Shelly R says
So needed this reminder today! Thank you!
Brandi Rennemeyer says
Stephanie,
Tears are streaming (mostly because I am exhausted and I get “weepy” when sleep is elusive). You are right, being tired is not an excuse for not stewarding rightly what God has called us to. I have been focused on the bags under my eyes instead of the gifts I am to give.
Thank You Jesus that you are rest for my weary soul and strength for my tired dry bones!
Kathryn Curtis says
This is so true! Thanks for the wise perspective on such a universal struggle as tiredness! What else does “rest for the weary” mean, if not this, right?!!!
Karmen says
Thank you! Much needed today!
karyn says
Yeah, I’m tired as well. Washed out.
π
Alyssa says
Good reminder!! Tired never excuses selfish behaviors!
Kristan at Lavender & Light says
I loved reading what tired is not an excuse for, I need to remind myself of that.
nancy steinke says
This is what I needed to day- feeling overwhelmed and tired. Thanks for the encouragement
Renee Swope says
I love this Stephanie! Just what my tired-self needed to read. My heart and my family thank you π
Mel says
Oh, these words were so good for my heart today. Too often, I find myself hiding behind my must-always-be-full coffee mug and making excuses for my tiredness. I love the suggestion of a curfew…this night owl needs it! Thank you for this! π
Marisa Slusarcyk says
This winter is definetaly eating up my energy, with the snow, the snow that was almost 5 feet high before the heat of the sun melted it down to a heavy, thick, dense layer of about 3 1/2 feet, and there is no end in sight. I want to be planting my seeds, starting my bulbs, buying my seeds and I see snow, too much to walk the dogs through, they are too short, too sharp to play in from the melting, so we are trapped indoors and cabin fever has set in and when we aren’t stir crazy we are exhausted for no real reason. I am happy that I am not the only one feeling drained right now. I know it would be wonderful for the sun to warm and the snow to leave but I am grateful that its going slooowly because the risk of flooding is going to be insanely high if it warms to quickly. God’s perfect time – must be trusted. Thank you for sharing how you feel!
Debbie says
As much as I’d love to say I never make the excuse that I’m tired and THAT’S why I (fill in the blank of the sin)…I do. So this was a good reminder, especially as the late night feedings will begin again for me as I near baby #3’s birth. We have an opportunity in every moment…a choice…even when we’re tired. Good reminder π Thanks so much for this!
Sarah says
I literally answered “yes” out loud to this question when I saw it show up in my inbox. This post was EXACTLY what my heart and mind needed right now. What a perfect Jesus moment. Thank you for sharing this and for kicking me in the pants a bit with the excuses that I can’t use just because I’m tired.
Cheryl Ricker says
Way to be positive, Stephanie. I love how you say, “tired is an opportunity.” Great thought. Now onto my nap. π
Kate says
Just…..yes.
That list of things NOT to do – I so needed to hear that today.
Sweet reminder.
Many thank yous.
– Kate π
Connie Price says
Such a well-timed message today!! Been sick and now just tired as I try to “catch-up”. Plus,a dear friend has gone Home,one who had such a clear testimony-who suffered such pain,for so long-but who didn’t use it as an opportunity for a pity-party,or to give up,or to believe that Jesus was not near. Thank you for this today-it reinforces the message I heard earlier today at her service. His Grace is sufficient!!
Maya says
Again…being tired has always been everyone’s experience. And it’s more exhausting when you’re physchologically tired. Tired with your life,problem never ends.
But thanks God we have Jesus. We are tired,but never loose hope,because He is our HOPE! Have faith everyone! π
Sharmin says
God knows what we need to hear right when we need to hear it. While my exhaustion isn’t from toddler, but from chasing a teen and a ‘tween from school function to school function, (aka: sports), worrying about everything I have to get done at school (I teach), all topped off by not sleeping well, sometimes I forget to let go and rest in Him.
Thank you for this post.
Beth says
Much needed-shared everywhere I could today. I am still tired…but more encouraged!
Gwen says
Yes. I am weary. But I prayed in my injured brain tears this morn on our way out the door and He heard. I wept and a kind woman checked on me as I hobbled to a bathroom in a bank but my tears were better. Jesus is near. I looked again upon coming home on the verse my hubby wrote on our chalkboard just outside the back door John 16:33….in this world you will have tribulation but I have overcome the world.” Gives me renewed strength
I slept. I turn to Jesus so often. My world is normal but not with a brain that’s been injured traumatically. And a body that has lots of things wrong because of it. But He is with me. When I am weak then His strength shows up best. I sing songs from memory –they pop into my head at the perfect time…the tapes I’d play in the car when my children were small–Psalty–a verse song–when I am afraid I will trust in You … And hymns and made up songs. Did you know that in my years as an out patient at Stanford they found that singing turns the brain to a better place? God said it first!! Sing songs and hymns and spiritual songs..sing praises to The Lord…sing of His mercies…And meditation releases something in the brain to go to a better place refreshed? God said it first! Meditate on My Word day and night. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable unto thee oh Lord. Lean on Him. Speak His Word over situations. Pray. Give it to The Lord. Turn … Away from my own solutions but turn my thoughts to Him. Rest in Him. Praise Him with songs! With instruments ! Let everything that hath breath praise The Lord. meditate on His Word. Give thanks in the midst of tough times. And as I write this my heart has been worshiping and I feel renewed in my spirit. Praise God. From weary to praise.
Jennifer G says
Gwen, you are an inspiration to us all. While we all feel “tired” in our own ways, whether it is physically, emotionally, we are tired because our hearts and souls need to be filled with the love of Jesus. Through your words, I see being “tired” in a different way.
You are a warrior, positive, strong, and amazing! I am extending a hug to you from all the way over here, along with prayers.
Tired truly Is An Opportunity and you are showing all of us just how many opportunities you have had to put your game face on for giving Praise and Love. You have inspired me deeply.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Beth Williams says
Gwen,
AMEN and AMEN! Singing helps heal the brain and the soul. It often makes me happier and forget all my tiredness!
Blessings to you as you struggle daily! May God come near and give you the rest you need to carry on!
Blessings π
Lacey says
I just came across this idea that when we need to feel recharged or rejuvenated, we should check on our relationship with God and see where it needs to be strengthened. I love how when you learn a truth you find it popping up everywhere around you. Thanks for the reminder!
Sarah says
Amen and amen. Even just today, I was wondering if there will ever be a day again when I am NOT tired. It seems to just be a part of my identity in these days of 2 littles. But, I was convicted when you mentioned it being a badge of honor- I so sense myself doing that. Even more so, having a pity party over it. But that’s not okay. What a sweet reminder to draw near to Him who’s yoke is easy and burden is light… He will give me the rest I need. Needed to hear this today!
Pamela Brooks says
I so appreciated ready all your posts. You have all given me the encouragement I need to get through another night. Most importantly knowing that Jesus is here right beside me to watch over me as I sleep! Gwen, your words were especially helpful giving me hope. When I am weak sing songs of praise and meditate on God’s word. Too many times I let the enemy defeat me telling me I will not get better. I will sleep on my God’s promises. John 16:33. An awesome verse to write on my heart.
Wendy van Eyck says
I love this. Thanks for the reminder that hard things can be opportunities.
Caryn Christensen says
Oh yes. Wincing a bit over here at the TRUTH of this Stephanie. Tired is not an excuse…it is an opportunity. Just thank you.
Becky Keife says
Tired is an opportunity. Sometimes it’s a little hard to gulp down the truth. But I love this. Thank you, Stephanie, for being beautifully transparent and spurring us on to join with you in embracing the many opportunities we have to be filled with God’s joy and fueled by His strength. Blessings!
Beth Williams says
Stephanie,
I use tired as an excuse–to say wrong things, feel wrong feelings, etc. But God knows our hearts and how we need to rest our souls and bodies.
January was a month of busy for me. We dealt with bad weather-plenty of snow. Also found out a room was available at assisted living for my dad. So I ran him to appointments, had tons of phone calls from older sister, did paperwork, etc. We were able to move him in–Praise God. I was exhausted by the end of it all. Add a full-time job to the mix and you get the idea.
God was gracious enough to give us 1 more bout of snow in February and allowed me to be off work for 4.5 days. I used that time to rest, get closer to God!
Thanks! Blessings π
Hayley says
Thank you for your words of encouragement!! I dwelt on that Scripture many times this week… in particular the night I only got 5 hours of sleep. As a pregnant, working mama, I really wished I could go back to bed…
MaryP says
Thank you, Stephanie. I will share this with my friends. When I read all the comments, I realized how blessed I am. That I know Jesus and can trust him for everything.
I just cannot imagine how people who have never heard of our God can survive the trials of life. I believe he is near to them too, although they do not know it!
Bless you.
Tricia, Perth WA says
Yes I too have been feeling more tired of late – I think it seems to be a season of tiredness for some reason, many of my friends are feeling the same – but good to know that our ever loving and caring God is ALWAYS there for us and with us. Thank you for the reminder to take those ‘time outs’ more often and when we do so to reflect on HIS WORD, read a Psalm or favourite passage and be refreshed, THANK YOU for this message.
Cecilia Tan says
Dear Ron Thank U for yur inspiring word of God . I felt much revived n charge after reading what You have written . Sometimes I felt so tired that I am at a loss for more words of encouragement . Truly scarifice i better than being obedient . I am bless to have a dedicate friend like U who understands pain in times of weakness . Ron I have been through all kinds of struggles of bone pain . U name it , i had it . Even tumour n cyst growth in the body . I once ask a pastor why do I had go through so much pain ? He said told me God said to him It was for his own glory . Now i understand without pain how can one hve empathy for anyone ? Truly it is a blessing in disguise . Keep up the good work for Jesus the Angels in heaven rejoices with U .
Zai says
Thank for writing that I m having the most stresfull time of my life
i feel tiered and not only in my body also in spirite. Im afraide I know whats going
to happend with my life, sometimes I feel so alone. I miss feeling God by my side
but it’s true its an oportunity and I have to trust in God that he will take care of me
so thanks.
If you ever haver the oporunity plese write to me.
Seeyou