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Other days I read my Bible knowing my ultimate peace and rest is found in God.
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Every day God delights in quieting me with his love because I am his child.
I used to think I knew what being tired felt like. Then I had kids. Having three daughters in under four years has made me appreciate sleep at a whole new level.
There are certain seasons where coherent thoughts seem nonexistent. Yes, first trimester, third trimester, and newborn stage, I’m talking about you. If you are in the midst of some serious sleep deprivation, may I suggest you choose a Psalm to meditate on?
I am a huge proponent of women knowing Scripture well through studying books of the Bible. But there are certain times where I make an exception to my normal Bible study habits. That exception is when I'm in a season of exhaustion.
God’s Word will never return void and the Psalms are especially wonderful for a couple of reasons. First, they are filled with the raw emotions of people during trials. In the midst of struggling, they are choosing to meditate on truths about who God is. Second, they’re harder to take out of context.
A quick side note here: God is the only one who doesn’t need rest, so there is a very real need for physical rest too. My temptation is to ignore the warning signs of being exhausted and try to catch up on all the things I’m behind on.
Generally speaking, seasons of exhaustion are just that; they’re seasons. Don’t ever stop reading God’s Word, but also do what you can to get some sleep. Here are four things that have helped me meditate on Scripture when I am exhausted:
2. Select a passage that addresses a current struggle AND reminds you of God’s faithfulness.
This is where Google can be a great friend as you can search “Psalms about ____”. Some personal favorites address the following:
3. Once you've chosen what to meditate on, put it up around your house.
If you are not currently in a trying season, I highly recommend reading Simplify Your Spiritual Life: Spiritual Disciplines for the Overwhelmed. It is incredibly encouraging and practical. If you are in an exhausting time, my prayer is that this post will equip you with a simple way to press on to know the Lord.
Generally speaking, seasons of exhaustion are just that; they’re seasons. Don’t ever stop reading God’s Word, but also do what you can to get some sleep. Here are four things that have helped me meditate on Scripture when I am exhausted:
1. If you are married to a Christian, ask your husband for suggestions. If you aren’t, ask a close Christian friend or your pastor.
We need other believers’ input and encouragement. I am quick to think that I know what is best for me. I don’t. Scripture says that I can easily be deceived and hardened by sin. Asking those closest to you for help is a way to grow spiritually.2. Select a passage that addresses a current struggle AND reminds you of God’s faithfulness.
This is where Google can be a great friend as you can search “Psalms about ____”. Some personal favorites address the following:
- Discontentment: Psalm 16
- Loneliness: Psalm 62
- Despair: Psalm 77
- Anxiety: Psalm 121
Write the passage on a few note cards and put them in places you are sure to see. Talk to the Lord about what you're learning as you think on his truth. Ask God to reveal himself to you. He is with you and for you! Often, as a wonderful byproduct of meditation, you will end up memorizing the passage.
4. Finally, in the midst of being extremely tired, it's easy for me to focus on how I am feeling instead of what is true. Here are two truths I need to be reminded of during these times:
- God’s Word will strengthen and encourage me.
"The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward." Psalm 19:7-11
- God loves me and is faithful to me (because of Christ).
"The LORD your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;" Zephaniah 3:17
"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22–23
Wonderful post! I plan to pass this on to my other exhausted young mom friends.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Rondi!
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