Wednesday before last I opened my eyes and forced myself to get out of bed, groaning inwardly, I’m so tired. Due to some health issues, this isn’t unusual for me. Most days, as soon as I get moving, I can shake it off and go about my day. That Wednesday wasn’t one of those days.
I put one foot in front of the other and headed for the kitchen, wondering, How many more days will I have to do this?
Rubbing my eyes, I remembered my friend, Sandra, who told her pastor one Sunday morning when asked how she was doing, “I’m tired, Pastor. I’m just tired.” She also had fibromyalgia, as I do, and many other health issues more serious than mine. A few short days later, Sandra went home to meet her Savior. This particular Wednesday, I identified with her words to her pastor. I’m tired, Jesus. I’m just tired.
As I look back on that day, I remember with gratitude the words of my pastor forty-seven years ago that still make a difference in my life every day. He said, “I believe every Christian should spend at least fifteen minutes a day reading the Bible, at least fifteen minutes a day praying and at least fifteen minutes a day talking about the Lord, whether to unbelievers or believers.”
Because I took his words to heart, I spend time with the Lord every morning, regardless of how I feel. So I met with Him that Wednesday, in spite of my weariness, and He gave me the words I needed to hear. These words were the key Scripture in The Upper Room daily devotional that I’ve used for many years, Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Strength and peace flowed through me as I read the familiar words.
As I turned to the suggested Scripture passage in Isaiah, I was even more encouraged. Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord… (Isaiah 40:28-30)
The prayer for the day seemed written especially for me: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us strength when we’re weak and weary. Help us rely on you instead of our own limited power and ability. Amen.
Once again, as He had done many times before, God prepared a table before me that morning in the presence of my enemies, weariness and weakness. He reminded me that He has all the power and strength I could possibly need for as many days as He has work for me to do here. He reminded me that As thy days, so shall thy strength be (Deuteronomy 33:25).
The banquet God had prepared was waiting for me, but it wouldn’t have sustained me if I had failed to come to the table.
Forgive us, Lord, when we neglect the provision you’ve given us in your Word and instead, attempt to draw from our depleted stores of strength. Amen.