Written by Alecia Bryant
Battling Exhaustion
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV)
Our culture glorifies “the busy mom.” We see her all over Facebook and Instagram, making Target runs with a messy bun, ragged and frazzled, dependent on coffee and energy teas. Now, I love a good energy tea! I don’t love how I feel most days, though – exhausted. Am I alone here? Is this how Jesus intended for us to live when He promised we would “have life and have it abundantly?” (John 10:10 ESV). This exhaustion doesn’t feel like abundance. We are missing the mark somewhere.
Do you ever feel like you are just trying to get through the day (or even survive until the kids’ bedtime)? There’s no shame! We have all been there. But if this is often our mindset, is this living- truly living? What we sometimes mistake for physical exhaustion is really a symptom of more serious fatigue- spiritual exhaustion. We often pour from an empty cup. This is fatigue that even the strongest coffee can’t cure.
How do we find rest when our hectic lives don’t afford it? Here are a few truths to consider:
1. The Lord is compassionate:
“…the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:3-14 ESV).
There is comfort in knowing the Lord remembers we are made of dust. He has compassion on us, even in our fatigue, even on the days we just can’t bring our best. We have a Savior who sympathizes with our exhaustion because He felt it Himself.
2. Jesus modeled a remedy:
He often retreated from the crowds into solitude. He needed to be alone with the Father. If Jesus modeled this, then we would do well to follow His lead. This is where it gets difficult as moms. We are pulled in countless directions, right? However, if we truly want to make time to get away in God’s presence, then we will. We will prioritize what matters to us. Our minds and bodies will fail us (Psalm 73:26). What sustains us in these times is God’s presence. He beckons us to come to Him and receive real rest (Matthew 11:28-30). This means getting away, getting still. We must carve out time for this, even if it means saying “no” to other demands. Our souls depend upon it. Get creative: go for a walk or listen to scripture on your drive. Just make time to get into His presence.
3. Recalling His goodness revives us:
“Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you” (Psalm 116:7 CSB).
What this verse says to me is “Alecia, settle down. The Lord has been so good to you always. You can rest.” When I take time to recall God’s faithfulness to me, it settles my spirit and redirects my gaze onto His faithfulness. Take some time today to recall God’s goodness in your life. Get out a journal and list the ways God has been faithful. It will instill joy and peace deep within your soul that even exhaustion can’t diminish.
While our lives may be hectic, our souls can remain in perfect rest. We must constantly renew our spirit by getting into the Lord’s presence. He sees you at the end of a long day, and He has compassion on you. Recall His goodness and let your soul return to rest.
A huge thank you to Alecia Bryant for this incredible message! Read more of Alecia’s blogs here.
