Fatigue makes cowards of us all.” Vince Lombardi
It’s not unusual to feel fatigue related to heat. But some weariness goes deeper than a summer slump. Larry offers two suggestions on how to overcome debilitating fatigue.
Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Jesus Christ
Fatigue is not only hard to experience it’s potentially harmful. It dulls our senses and allows carelessness to enter our hearts, actions, and words. Those we love are often the victims.
A lack of energy can result in a lack of love (I Cor. 16:13; Matt 12:36). Many of my regrets have come from times of emotional and physical fatigue. Too tired to care enough to be considerate or conscientious, I said things unfiltered and unhelpful.
When my father was in the hospital with terminal cancer, my mom stayed by his side day and night. His doctor came to her and said, “Mrs. Wilson, if you don’t get some rest, you won’t be your best to help your husband.”
How do we overcome debilitating fatigue?
Become More Strategic
Fatigue is often more about what we do than how much we do (Heb 12:1). We might need to change some responsibilities or relationships that are taking an unnecessary toll on us.
#Fatigue is often more about what we do than how much we do. We might need to change some responsibilities or relationships that are taking an unnecessary toll on us. #Grace Share on XFull disclosure, I’m coming out of a season of fatigue. I’ve sensed the Lord re-directing the type of counseling I do. I no longer work with those battling addictions. It takes too much out of me. This redirection has lessened the emotional load I carry and is bringing much needed relief.
I felt responsible to help most all who came to us. The Lord reassured me that He’s responsible.
Plan for Renewal
How we rest and recharge will vary according to our uniqueness. Some are restored by withdrawing to places of peace. Others by connecting socially and having fun. Some find energy in accomplishing tasks or making progress in key areas.
I find renewal on my bike and in settings where nobody knows me. Understand what brings you renewal and plan for it. Life will be more fun and fruitful when we are at our best.
If we can help you with this or another relationship issue, please contact us. You are important to God and us.
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Blessings,
Update:
- Debbie’s new book, Little Strength, Big God, on those from Hebrews 11 who “became strong in battle” is to be released this fall.
- Children without earthly fathers are becoming close to our heavenly Father
- Couples have learned how to build a spiritual connection with each other.
- Those in broken relationships are learning how to advance through conflict.
Resources:
Give Yourself a Break shows how to experience God’s rest in ten common areas of challenge.
Experience the simplicity of trusting Jesus. Isn’t it time you gave yourself a break and enjoyed God’s rest?
Photo by Bruno Aguirre on Unsplash
Sometimes I link with these great sites:
#InspireMeMonday, #InstaEncouraements, #TellHisStory and here , #Let’sHaveCoffee, #Recharge Wednesday, #Grace&Truth,
You’re so right that we can’t help others if we are too worn out. May we each learn what restores our spirit and the Spirit within us. For me, I’m refreshed by reading books and by working jigsaw puzzles, among other things.
Lisa, me too. I like my online games and books. 🙂
Cancer’s wiped the floor with me,
and I am tired unto death
(dude, that is a joke, you see,
for it’s stealing all my breath!).
But anyhow, all through the day
it’s uphill on the stuff I do,
and so this is what I must say;
it’s stupid, but for me it’s true:
“There is now no need to rest,
no justifying relaxation;
every day is now a test,
and every place, my duty station
at which honour compels I wait,
and in alertness meet my fate.”
Andrew, that is a whole other realm of weariness. May the Lord refresh you soul (Ps. 23).
What a refreshing word! Your candor gave lots of people permission to realize we need rest and that we need it in different forms. Thank you. And God bless you and Debbie with the rest that you need. May you rest in Him. God refreshes those who refresh others! (Prov. 11:25)
Thank you, Ann. You are such an encourager!!
We work hard at rest today. God ordained it; Satan tempts us to avoid it providing guilt when we “indulge” in it, but we need it. Thanks for the encouragement, Debbie. God bless!
You summed it up well. Thanks, Nancy.
Giving all that we have in caring for or supporting another can lead us into debilitating fatigue. Thank you for sharing this important message. It’s hard for us to admit when we’re going through it. Education is important.
Katherine, you speak with wisdom. We don’t like to admit our limits when the one we are supporting had such intense needs.
Thank you for your transparency Larry. I appreciate it and so many will benefit from it. Glad you have new direction.
Thank you, C.J.
Debbie, my desire is to be a helper for someone in need. Oftentimes, I find myself weary and then I know to stop and think. Similiar to what you shared of no longer counseling those with addictions. I remember Betty Coble Lautner sharing, “Just because a need is brought to your attention, it doesn’t mean you are the one to meet that need.”I ask the Lord to help me to always be open to reevaluation and change.
Dianne, I know the Lord loves your servant heart. We do have to know our limits and listen to God’s call. Betty gave you wise advice.
Amen Mr. Larry. Fatigue causes me to be “soul-tired”, and that leads to weakening my connection/bond with God. He’s right there, ready to pour His energy, love, and compassion into me. I fear sometimes, I’m too slow to open up His faucet and let His blessings refresh me. Always enjoy your posts sir.
I know what “soul tired” feels like. Ps. 23, He restores my soul!
Great blog and I am one who is struggling from fatigue. Thanks!
Thank you, Jane. Would love to see you some time.
It’s just like what we’ve always been told, if you are on an airplane and the oxygen masks come down, put yours on first and then help your child or loved one. We don’t give enough thought to rest and restoration and how important that is. Even Jesus encouraged His disciples to come away and rest. These are wonderful tips.
We all need to find time away with God and find time to rest for our weary souls. I find myself useless when I allow my batteries to get completely drained. Without recharging, I won’t be able to complete the work God has for me.
Yvonne, you’re right. Without rest we lose our effectiveness. Thanks for sharing.
Debbie, I love the point you made about different types of activities rejuvenating different types of people. It’s not one size fits all. Thank you!
God gave us different fingerprints and personalities. Thanks, Annie.
Debbie, it is so true – fatigue dulls our senses. It can make us so unable to think and process. Thank you for giving us permission to rest. It’s the best way to serve those we love.