Are you as tired as I am?
I’m so tired that I just pulled into my garage, quickly shut the door, and just sat in my dark car, in silence, with my head laying on the steering wheel. {I’m sure you can’t relate.}
I wonder what the next few months will be like with the holidays upon us. I have a long list of want-to’s. But with Tired as my needy, new best friend, I feel exhausted before I even begin.
{All of a sudden, I have an even bigger respect for my mom and for you. Yes, you. The ones that have seven children and energy to spare. The ones that run a business and a beautiful home. The ones that stay up late into the night to chase your art and still smile at the bible study the next morning.}
I don’t feel creative. I only feel pressure. Which makes me more tired.
I get enough sleep. {Don’t be jealous.} I try to take care of myself and eat healthy. Beyond physical, I wonder why I’m so tired? {I’m really not asking for health advice.}
Is it because I’m over committed? Not being able to say ‘No.’ wears me out.
Do I not know how to lean into the rest that He promises and provides? Rather, I call it stress and act like it’s normal, some kind of trophy to be proud of.
Is my soul weary from battle, the very ones that no one else can see? Needing rest, I fight it like a young child before a much needed nap. I don’t share the worries of my heart with those that really care about me.
Maybe I’m legitimately tired and need to give myself a break. I give everyone else one.
Maybe I need to let someone down and not show up. Maybe I need to say no to another serving opportunity. Maybe I need to not respond to emails so rapidly. Maybe I need to let things fall where they may for awhile. Maybe I need to take a nap in the middle of the day. Maybe I need to not apologize for not having it all together and tell someone else the truth. . . I’m tired.
But when I’m weary and worn out, for reasons that I can’t control or those that I can, I go to my Life Source. For “the LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. God will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.” {Isaiah 40:28}
I remember that He had to command us to rest. {There must have been a reason for that. I don’t feel so alone.}
And when He gives His children their ‘promise land’ that He destined us to possess {Yes, He has one for you.}, He reminds us that “The LORD your God is giving you rest and has granted you this land.” {Joshua 1:3} He does the work.
I need to rest and possess the ‘land,’ step by step, that He is blessing me with. Each of our promise lands look different, but each usually takes a journey that can be tiring. God knows this and asks me to rest, rest in Him.
That seems a daunting task. But God has big hands that I can relax in and recover my strength.
But God says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” {Isaiah 41:10}
by Stephanie Bryant, co-founder of (in)courage and now Creative Mastermind at S. Bryant Social Marketing.
Leave a Comment
Barbie says
Beautiful post. God ordained that we would rest — rest in His presence, rest in His love, rest in the stillness. I keep myself way too busy. Praying for peace and calm for both of us during this season.
Karen says
I’m tired too.
I’m praying for rest, for relief from stress and anxiety. For you, and for me.
The only big thing we are doing this year for the Christmas season is making a trip from FL to PA. Gifts for just our immediate family. Helping with a free shopping day at church for needy families. Not going overboard on decorating or parties. Taking the time for focusing on the Reason for the season, that is my goal!
Anonymous says
Thanks for words to a weary soul, He knows the way I will need to go in his work he give strength for my path. Peace be still and follow I can do all things through Christ illuminatig my path in strength to follow his way even when it hurts. Speaking to self in psalms and hymns and spiritual things not allowing my mind to take my thoughts captive on self. Thank you Lord Jesus
Betsy says
Oh Stephanie, I can relate. I’ve been thinking about rest myself lately. (and being tired!) Grace to you and to all of us women who often wear many hats and juggle many plates. I like your idea of just letting things fall as they will for a while. Good reminder before the holiday season…
I also like Mark 6:31: “He said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’”
Wild Optimist says
I read this before dawn at a Girl Scout camp while I worry about the turkey and turn over a conversation I just had about this same tiredness. Thank you.
Lisa H says
I’m in a forced ‘rest’ right now, if you will. I’m recovering from surgery, had 3 vertebrae in my neck fused together last week. I’m not allow to lift more than a gallon of milk. Did you know that weighs 8 pounds! I had no idea! Anyway. I’m learning to sit and watch movies, sit and knit a scarf for my daughter ifor Christmas (this one can only be done in small bursts of time due to needing to look down slightly). People say you are home for many weeks before Christmas you can get done what you want! WRONG. I can’t drive yet so I can’t shop. I can’t decorate because I can’t lift. I can’t work on my quilt I am making because I can’t lift my machine to the table. BUT I can enjoy the afternoon help my girl gives me after school. I can enjoy the sweet cards and words of encouragement that are given to me. This week I plan on watching the last 4 video’s of the bible study I’ve put off because I’ve not had ‘time’. Resting is hard. Much harder than doing all the things we find ourselves doing each day.
Paola Rarick says
Thank you for this wonderful, honest post. I have many things to work on but I am very protective of my time and very sensitive to being tired (oh and only 1 child who is 7 and at a stage where she can help herself much) I do however, have many friends I will be forwarding this to because this is soooo common amongst woman. You are not alone! But I do feel compelled to have you get a full work up physical at your dr. Sorry!!! I know you didn’t want advice, I just felt compelled. I will be praying for your rest!
Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect says
I wish my arms could reach through my state and into yours and give you a hug. A real one. The kind that you can just relax into, even if for just a moment. So I’m left to send you a cyber hug. *sigh* Love you!
Paula says
I can so relate. Running on empty. I have been asking for “Times of Refreshing” in the Presence of the Lord.
I heard a message this week called Stewarding God’s Grace. He said to ask yourself this question. What are you saying NO to by saying Yes to everyone and everything else? I am pondering this.
Love the Isaiah verse. One of my favorites. I think it’s also in that chapter that God says,”I Myself will help you.”
Connecting with you, sister.
Charise Christianson says
I loved this post and it’s perfect for me right now. I tend to be a “people pleaser” and exhaust myself in trying to meet other peoples expectations of me. I’m so busy “doing” that I miss what is most important. Him! And resting in Him and sitting at His feet. Thank you for the reminder of what is most important.
Lorrie says
Wow – just when I was starting to spiral into the stress vortex of life events. family events, and the holidays. Thank you – God sent through you just what I needed today.
Jewelsy says
I have had times in my life where I felt very tired all the time. My daughter recently went through that too, but she feels better now. And, like you said, the Lord is here to help. And, this too shall pass, Blessings!
Diane Bailey says
Oh, yes sister, oh yes. Sometimes I’m exhausted from thinking things through, then my physical body, just wants to lay down on the couch ( sometimes with my shoes on…don’t tell the kids).
Laurie Wallin says
Don’t worry, your secret’s safe w/us :). (I totally do the same… or fall asleep in my clothes some nights!) Eh, I figure I’m just getting that extra 15 minutes of dressing time as sleep instead – lol!
Jennifer says
Thank you for this reminder that it is okay to slow down, and how much we need to seek His rest. I so needed this! Bless you.
Jennifer says
Thank you for this reminder that it is okay to slow down, and that I need to seek His rest. I so needed this! Bless you.
Holley Gerth says
I may or may not have stayed until my pajamas until three today. Ahem. Yes, let’s take care of ourselves and get some rest this holiday season. I triple do dare us to do it. 🙂
Holley Gerth says
Um, that would be “triple dog dare” #typingwhiletired
Sarah Beals says
Timely reminder to relax! 🙂 It is also nice to plan a “stay” day. Just STAY at home and do nothing! 🙂
Katie @ Imperfect People says
Ohhhh girl we have all been there. I just blogged about talking about martha stewart and how her daughter is now outspoken about how her overcommiments affected her. Bless your heart stay true to what is MOST important and say no to the other stuff (Not that im an expert but I am a recovering “yes aholic”)
MCH says
I like your ‘yes aholic’ phrase!!
MCH says
This is so me, everything you say. I have been tired for a longggg time and have recently decided to drop my dream of photography school. It was just bringing me stress and not the peace, joy, enthusiasm and creativity I longed for and hoped it would bring. Hard choice. But everything rings a bell… thanks. I feel less alone!
Shandra says
Wow. Exactly what I needed…thank you for sharing the wisdom and freedom from your conversation with God.
Stephanie Hamann says
Thank you for this post. It’s like you were watching my life – even in the garage. And I’m one of those people employed in a profession that tells other people to do that stuff. And my care of me physically is going down hill. Some easy types of food sometimes has a big cost. And I told a good friend of a 4 hour nap I took last weekend and I got a biting remark in return. What she said was true, just a little sharper than it needed to be. It’s all culminating in forgetting what all these holidays are about, and just wanting to sleep by the time they get here. Thanks again for being honest and helping me, too.
Tracie says
I truly appreciate the honesty of your post. You’ve shared such godly wisdom and truth. God has given me a book to right on this very subject, and after reading the post and all of the replies, I am so inspired to continue on my journey. As a work-at-home mom, God told me to practice rest. It is not to be taken for granted, it is a vital necessity, and it is worship to Him, as we do not conform to the ways of the world, but return to God for rest. May God Bless you all. Enjoy the rest He is offering us right now!
Gosia says
No, I can’t relate because I do not drive… ;-D
However, if you are that tired, seek medical advice. Take it seriously.
Janis@Open My Ears Lord says
I am just as tired as you! And I gave myself permission to take a necessary rest. It was hard to make the decision but I decided to stop blogging for awhile. I need to get refreshment from the Source and rest from Him as well. I need to restore my body and soul.
Yes, we all need to rest.
Blessings,
janis
Sarah says
It’s amazing what ‘stress’ can do to us. The worry or concern that’s left unchecked. Energy focused on areas that point away from family & God, instead of the refreshing that we can find in the solace of worship. Many times in the past months I’ve sought that solace and I always find myself in a better place. Because my focus is where it should be! And then I slip back into the haphazardness where things start to fall apart again & I wonder why. lol. 🙂
I too have taken a break from my blog & am trying to figure out which way to go with it. Whether to keep it up for my facebook page, to share etsy items & motivations for mom, etc. . . We’ll see where it leads.
Thank you for sharing your heart! ♥