you're not really tired.
I mean maybe you are a little, I can't say for sure. But are you actually tired?
Tired- adjective
- exhausted, as by exertion; fatigued or sleepy:They provided water to a tired runner.
This is the first, and probably most common definition. We don't sleep enough. Don't get enough good sleep. Wake up too early, go to bed too late..... Or any combination of them.
I'd like to challenge this expression so frequently used (by me). Am I really tired, or is this "tiredness" a self-inflicted injury? Or even a spiritual fatigue?
I find that when I'm saying "I'm tired" a lot, it's because I have a to-do list that's too long, too many shows to catch up on, studies and reading to do, orders and payroll to run, meals to cook, groceries to buy, lunches to pack, laundry to do, dishes to wash, trips to school, slips to sign, beds to make, blogs to write. Just to name a few....
I'm also trying to exercise and break some strongholds I have around food- that seems to be a full-time job in and of itself! oof. SO, yeah. I think our culture would look at that load and say "girl, yeah you're tired!!"
But what would my flock say?
I feel confident that the sheep grazing by me would nudge me to put the coffee down, grab some water and my Bible, and rest in His peace. They would assure me that my lists will check "checked", errands will be run, and tasks will be completed; in due time.
They would say that, instead of trying to graze every. inch. of. pasture., maybe I just slow down and actually take in the views, the breeze, the Shepherd....
I know a few sheep in particular who would (and have) tell me that. It stung to hear it, and it stings to type that it stung to hear. But they're right. A nap and a snack may serve me well, but time with the Shepherd is the sure, tried-and-true solution.
I was recently "forced" into a time away from my normal routine and duties. I was physically put through the wringer. In that time, though, God gave me the opportunity to see that focusing on my spiritual fatigue was the answer.
"For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:30
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28
These verses instantly come to mind when we talk about being tired or weary. I've even tossed them around like some bumper sticker slogan that's going to make my to-do-lists magically disappear and I become more rested than Sleeping Beauty.
My lists never "did themselves", and definitely get a Sleeping Beauty nap. I wasn't ever going to receive His yoke, or have His rest unless I actually sought Him, surrendered my lists, and made time with Him my top priority.
In that forced rest period, I learned that despite having the worst sleep I've ever had (aside from when I was in labor), the tiredness I felt in my body didn't really phase me because my SOUL was rested.
I'm sure if you did blood work, there would be signs I hadn't slept in a week. But all-in-all, I felt more refreshed than I had in a LONG TIME.
So to wrap it up, maybe you are tired; but not how you originally thought. Maybe you are tired, but spiritually, too.
Are you avoiding facing something or having a hard conversation?? I bet you're going to feel tired at the thought of having that encounter. A quick chat with the Father may refresh and restore you enough to do the thing, and still have the energy for the day ahead.
Are you taking on too much or saying yes to everything?? I'm sure just getting out your calendar and seeing more "plans" than "blank space" just wants to make you hibernate for the season... Pencil in some quiet time. Even 15 minutes with the Creator of the Universe will do wonders.
How's your prayer life? I thought mine was ok until I fellowshipped with women who prioritize prayer. Read your bible today? The paper one? That may be the medicine your soul needs.
What if the "tired" responses changed to a genuine "rested" response instead. (I think it may shock some people!)
Listen. I am spiritually AND physically tired in this season. I'm navigating an underlying condition, I started focusing on my longterm health, and my family all has stuff, too... I'm tuckered OUT.
Don't come at me for saying you aren't tired, because you likely are. All I'm saying is that GOD is knocking and He has a hot tray of peace, rest and comfort casserole He is just WAITING for you to indulge in. Are you going to fill up on HIM, or run to the local gas station to some cheap snacks that never satisfy, and always leave you wanting more?
YOU are the 1 He left the 99 for. If you're still tired, it's time to accept the rest only God can provide