“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” Jer. 31:25 (NIV)
And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Ex. 33:14 (ESV)
It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones. Psalm 127:2 (NLT)
Heavenly Father, all three of your beloved sons—Jeremiah, Moses, and King David, experienced seasons of great stress and restlessness. And your promise to them is still your promise to us, “I am with you and for you. I am your peace and I will give you rest.” This is awesome news on those days when we’re feeling a bit spent—emotionally, mentally, physically or spiritually.
Thank you Father, for not rolling your eyes when we’re “less than conquerors,” and not exactly into “doing-cartwheels-for-Christ” mode. Your forbearance is remarkable; your patience is inexhaustible; and your kindness is incalculable.
For those of us flat-out tired and exhausted from working too hard: Help us make changes in our schedules that need to be made, and can be made. Free us from our drivenness and performance-ism. Grant us grace in situations over which we have zero control; and grant us gifts of relaxation, play, and a few nights good sleep.
Father, for those of us emotionally exhausted and mentally spent from relational challenges: Keep us from either giving up on hope, or giving in to foolish ways of dealing with our pain and longings. Show us what “faith expressing itself in love” (Gal. 5:6) looks like when we’re feeling lonely, disconnected, and discouraged.
For those of us stressed about health issues or heart sadness, ministry wounds or marital worries, political madness or parenting messes, things not working at work or things breaking at home… give us wisdom and faith, tailored for each of these situations. Make it undeniably clear to us, that you love us, and that you are in control. That’s all we really need. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ caring and trustworthy name.
