If You’re Worn Down, Show Up
by Rick Warren — December 4, 2023
From Strategies for Stressful Times
“Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? The LORD is the everlasting God; he created all the world. He never grows tired or weary.”
Isaiah 40:28 (GNT)
The bigger the changes that happen in your life, the more time you need to spend with God.
That time with God is called a quiet time. You read the Bible, talk to God in prayer, and are quiet so you can listen to what God wants to say to you.
When you’re stressed out, time alone with God is the great stabilizer in your life. It’s also the greatest re-energizer when you’re worn out. We’ve all gone through a lot of stress the last few years, and some of us don’t have as much energy as we used to. Chronic stress has drained us as so much in our lives has changed.
Are you feeling fatigued? That’s natural. It’s what chronic stress does to our bodies. No matter how much sleep we get at night, we wake up tired or start to drag a few hours into the day. If you feel like you’re just trying to get by, you are not alone.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, stressed out, and like you’re barely hanging on, then you need to remember Isaiah 40:28: “Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? The LORD is the everlasting God; he created all the world. He never grows tired or weary” (GNT).
God created the entire universe in six days—and he only rested on the seventh day to model a Sabbath for us. He never gets tired! He is never overwhelmed or worn out. He never gets stressed. He can handle anything—including all the things you can’t.
If you spend more time with God, who never grows tired or weary, then you’re going to have more energy. Spending time with God is not a burden or a drudgery or a drain—it’s the opposite! He gives strength to those who are weary. He gives peace and rest.
If you’re stressed, don’t seek a quick fix. Don’t look for a shortcut. Don’t fight changes that you can’t possibly control. Instead, spend time with God every day.
Connect with Pastor Rick Warren