Have you ever felt exhausted? Where it’s not just physical exhaustion, but mental, emotional and spiritual exhaustion too? It happens to all of us. Sometimes you’re so depleted that it can be hard to rest. You’ve got so much going on that your mind keeps going to prevent you from getting the rest you need. This weekend was one of those times for me. The things to get done were important and necessary. There were heavy problems to solve as well as lots of spiritual guidance that took a lot out of me. It’s moments like these that draw me deeper into prayer because I recognize my need for true rest and peace.
In 1Kings 18, we read one of the most incredible stories in the Bible where Elijah stands on Mount Carmel and calls down fire from Heaven. The next day, Jezebel says she going to kill him. In 1 Kings 19 he flees for his life to south Israel. He’s physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually exhausted. He tells the Lord he’s had enough and is ready to die. However, God doesn’t grant his request. Instead He provides food, drink and rest. Instead of rebuking him for running and hiding, God cares for him. What was a moment of exhaustion became a moment of transformation. What he thought was the end became an encounter with God.
In Matthew 11:28 Jesus says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (NLT). Just like He cared for Elijah, He will care for you. He understands exhaustion because He became human. He also understands the need for true rest, and that is what Je offers to you. Instead of running away, run to Him. He will encounter you in your moments of exhaustion. He will transform us when we lay down our burdens and worries, pick up His yoke and learn from Him. You won’t be condemned for reaching this point. You’ll be received with open arms, given what you need to sustain you and find the rest for your exhausted soul.
Photo by Soroush Karimi on Unsplash
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 