Are You Tired?

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Do you ever just get weary? I really don’t even have to ask that question to know the answer. We all get tired…worn out…spent. And I don’t just mean physically, but spiritually, mentally, and emotionally as well. In fact, mental tiredness and emotional weariness are many times more difficult to endure than physical exhaustion. And if we are spiritually empty…that is when things get dangerous.

It is perhaps our relationships that suffer the most when we grow weary. Let’s just be honest – maintaining healthy, God-honoring relationships is hard. It takes work. By healthy and God-honoring I mean relationships that line up with His Word. Whether it is husband-wife, parent-child, brother-sister, friendship, neighbors, or even enemies – the Bible has something to say about how we are to treat one another. And in all cases, His instructions are not actions or attitudes that come naturally to us.

While we want our needs to be met, God asks us to consider others’ needs before our own. While we yearn to get even, God asks us to forgive every single time – even if the offender isn’t sorry. While we are drawn to those we like and admire, God commands us to love everyone…even those who cannot or will not reciprocate. If we are betrayed everything inside screams, “That’s it…I’m done,” but God says to stay and honor the covenant we have made. The world will say this makes us doormats. But God says He will use it to make us holy.

When we view our relationships through this Biblical lens, Matthew 11:28 is like a fountain of fresh water in the desert. Christ promises rest to all who come to Him, the source of grace and mercy. When we draw near to Him in faith, He exchanges our weariness for His strength…and in the process, we find rest. Rest for our hearts, minds, and weary souls. Rest from being battered and torn by others. Rest from our own weak flesh and the sin that can so easily entangle us.

Heavenly Father, I want to love others in a way that honors You; and I know I cannot do this without Your Spirit. When I try to do it on my own, I become weary and I fail. Help me to rest in Your loving presence, so that my strength will be renewed. In Jesus’ name, amen.