Tired
We often feel like we’re running on empty, whether we are lacking sleep or we simply have too much to do. God wants to give us rest and restore us.
Sooner or later in the day, everyone gets tired. We need sleep to survive, to restore ourselves in body and mind. Even so, tiredness is more than a biological function.
We lead busy lives and are eventually exhausted by the expectations placed on us. Sometimes what we need most is to slow down, reduce our commitments, take time to rest. But we can’t always let go of our responsibilities.
We play an important part in each other’s lives – at work, at school, at home – and we worry about letting others down.
God wants to give us rest and relieve us of our burdens. In a story of creation in the Bible, God rested after creating the world (Genesis 2:2-3). God helps us rest too.
Think about your burdens,
all the things you have to bear. Close your eyes, tell God about them. What is wearing you down most?
What is the biggest load that you cannot bear any longer? What is the biggest mountain you have to climb? God sees all your burdens and wants to relieve them.
Now tell God what you need. Do you need help to step back and slow down? Do you need an extra burst of energy to see you through? Do you need to sleep? Lay your needs down before God.
Here is a simple prayer, say it with me:
Lord, I am worn out and need rest. It is late in the day and there is still so much to do. I am wide awake and cannot sleep.
God of peace, I pray that you will put me at ease, let me lie down, and let me rest in your safety.
Amen.
I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety. [Psalm 4:8, NRSVA] God is a refuge: a firm, rocky island standing tall above a sea of troubles. Whenever we are overwhelmed by all the things we must do, we can rely on God for rest.
Where do you feel most happy to rest? What relaxes you? Is it lying down, sitting, walking? Have you ever experienced a moment of perfect peace?
Lord, I am a small sailing-boat lost in a stormy sea,
Worn out by my tasks, overwhelmed by the waves,
Waiting for a quiet place where I can lay down my head.
Though I am buffeted about by wind and rain,
And I don’t know when I will reach the shore,
And I feel like I cannot go on any further,
Your still, small voice will lift me up and lead me to safe harbour,
To the calm place where I will rest.
At last, I will lie down in peace and sleep,
For only you, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
The world is wild and busy; the night is cold and dark.
But your little light will keep me warm and comforted.
You are my God: my shelter, my peace, my resting place at the end of the day.
Amen.
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