He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Psalm 23:3
Being exhausted can bring out our worst—or make space for God’s best.
Dave is a fun kind of guy. More is more when it comes to activities, friends and adventures. He’ll never admit to being tired, but sometimes says he’s just “off.” Of course, as Dave’s wife will confirm, he ends up stretched thin with exhaustion and says exactly the wrong thing—just like the rest of us.
When we’re at the end of ourselves, we have the perfect opportunity to admit our limitations. Rather than being ashamed after our kindness toward others evaporates, we can invite God’s strength into our weakness. We can have compassion on our tired selves and reach for God.
Studies show that when we speak to ourselves with the same kindness we’d offer a friend, and practice self-compassion, we’re less likely to react harshly and are more able to stay calm under pressure.[1] When self-compassion comes from what God says about us, real change happens in us.
The Bible says that God “knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust” (Psalm 103:14). And He … renews [our] strength. He guides us along the right paths (Psalm 23:3a). In our weariness, we can pray these words from Psalm 141: “Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips” (Psalm 141:3). God’s restoration allows kindness to grow even when we’re exhausted.
Especially when we’re worn out, we can pause to breathe and pray, to invite God’s strength to help us behave in ways we can’t on our own. If you’re running on empty, God doesn’t ask you to be endlessly strong. He invites you to come so that His kindness flows through you.
[1] Neff, Kristin. Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself. New York: HarperCollins, 2011.
