Feeling Worn Out Prayer

Are you feeling worn out and don’t have time to unplug and rest? There’s a better way: Finding God’s rest and balance through prayer.

When You’re Worn Out and Don’t Have Time to Take a Break

Have you heard someone lately say the following: “I’m just so tired.”

I have. I have even said those words myself. Some friends would say, “You need some ’me’ time” and that their recommendation is to take three days and do nothing.

I don’t have time for that. As I write this article, I have seven sections of a fence to put back up after a storm took them out. I have a new circulation fan to install in my upstairs AC/Heating unit, and about 1.5 cords of wood that need to be split out for use this winter. I don’t have three days to take for myself and do nothing.

My friends aren’t talking about a vacation. They’re talking about disconnecting from the world for two or three days. Hiding out at home on the sofa and isolating myself from everyone. I believe that there’s a better solution.

What Jesus Says about Being Worn Out

“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NET)

Think about what Jesus said in the verse above from the New Testament book of Matthew. Are you tired? Worn out? Exhausted? Overworked? A stressed out mess? Do you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders? He says “come and give to me everything you are weighed down by, and all of your problems.” In return, he will give you rest.

The Greek word for rest is “ypóloipo.” One of the definitions given for “rest” in the original Greek is “balance.”

Whoa.

Let’s do a word substitution exercise: “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you balance.” It’s not a far-fetched idea, and, in all honesty, is what we are needing. We need balance in our lives. We are so tired from the lives we are leading that we don’t have the right balance of work and rest.

Being So Stressed Out You’re Tired of Living

In total up-front, no holds barred honesty, I can say that there have been occasions when I have gone to God and said the following through tears streaming down my face:

“Father, I’m tired. I’m just done. I can’t do this anymore. I can’t keep going at this pace, I can’t take what’s coming at me. I just want to come home? Can I please come home?

This is “ugly cry” stuff of legend. Sound familiar? To some of you it will. To others of you reading this article and who don’t have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, you recognize the first part but not the last. That’s ok. I’m here to let you know that God himself reminded me why I’m still here.

The Holy Spirit brought to the forefront and listed out in my mind’s eye to me the reasons that I have to stay here for a little while longer:

I’m not done with my mission to minister to my family, friends, and others.
My wife, Kelly, still needs me.
My kids still need me, even though they wouldn’t admit it right now.
I have more articles to write.
I have more music to write.
I have people to minister to who I have not yet met.
And one day, someday, there will be grandkids who need “GrandDave” to save the day with donuts and Bugs Bunny cartoons.

This wasn’t a suicide request. I’ve dealt with suicidal thoughts. They’re scary. In that dark moment when the suicidal thoughts came after me, I recited every verse of Scripture I could think of.

If you are currently experiencing suicidal thoughts, get help immediately by calling the 24 hour hotline at 988.

The thoughts of “Can I come home?” are not the same. It was my way of saying to God, “I’m tired.” I didn’t know how else to say it. This was a moment of pure honesty from me to God. I know that my days are numbered by God himself, and right now it is not the end of my days.

“Therefore repent and turn back so that your sins may be wiped out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and so that he may send the Messiah appointed for you—that is, Jesus.” (Acts 3:19-20 NET, emphasis added)

Ask God for Rest and Peace

Dear reader, if you will be honest with God and yourself, there is a relief that will come when you ask God to give you his rest and peace. He brings back the balance to your life that has been in severe short supply.

Jesus went on to say, in Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (balance) for your souls.”

The yoke that Jesus references is not a one-person yoke. It’s a two-person yoke that aligns you with the Holy Spirit. He will help you carry the load. The Holy Spirit is not a taskmaster. He’s not cracking the whip and telling you to get busy for the Lord. The opposite is true. He, the Holy Spirit of God whom Jesus promised, is our helper and defender.

“The Lord has broken the club of the wicked, the scepter of rulers. It furiously struck down nations with unceasing blows. It angrily ruled over nations, oppressing them without restraint. The whole earth rests and is quiet; they break into song.” (Isaiah 14:5-7 NET)

God is so mighty that he will bring down the oppressors so that the whole earth can find balance, peace, and stillness. That is who our Defender is. He is our King, and mighty to save:

“You know that from your empty way of life inherited from your ancestors you were ransomed – not by perishable things like silver or gold, but by precious blood like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb, namely Christ.” (1 Peter 1:18-19 NET)

When the Holy Spirit reminded me that I have work yet left undone, the reminder brought balance to my life. I don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow, but God is already there. There are many things still left for me on my journey, but He has ordered my steps.

As Pastor Craig Groeschel says, “Just do the next right thing.” There are people that I still need to reach, family members yet to be born, and He has given me the ability to write down what I believe if I have no other way to communicate those beliefs to the next generation. Generations to come will know what “GrandDave” believed because of articles like this and others I have written. It is my living legacy.

I am in desperate need of His balance in my life, because I know that I do not have the capability nor the capacity to facilitate such peace and rest in my life. Many people try to medicate their situation with things that will become addictions. If you have come through the pandemic and are looking for peace and balance in your life, please allow me to point you to the only One who can provide what you are looking for:

“Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land. Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky. Yes, the Lord will give what is good and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before him and make his footsteps a way.” (Psalm 85:8-13 ESV)