Growing tired
Matthew 8:24 “Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.”
Extra Reading: Matthew 8:1-24
After a long time of ministry Jesus was tired physically. So he took some rest on the boat. Our bodies are not made to go on and on until we drop on the floor. We need time to rest and to refresh. Tiredness is a natural outcome of work and stress for which God has provided relief, rest and renewal. Scripture recognizes that tiredness may have spiritual, as well as physical causes. Some causes of tiredness are afflictions, concern and anxiety, desire for money and possessions, travelling, old age, zeal for the Lord’s work, battles, sin and rebellion, and foolishness.
The Lord does not grow weary or tired (Isaiah 40:28). It is good to know that we serve a God who can refresh us when we are tired. The Bible says that even youth grow tired (Isaiah 40:30). We also need to learn that all things are wearisome (Eccles.1:8). Moses’ hands grew heavy from fighting the enemies of God, but praise the Lord that he provided people to bring him the support he needed by lifting his hands again. Thereafter the battle was won. Before our Lord Jesus Christ went to the cross he took some time to pray. He was accompanied by some of His disciples. He found them sleeping, not praying, for their eyes were very heavy (Mark 14:40). If I were one of them I would drink lots of coffee or water to stay awake to have more time for prayer, especially with the Master.
God understands that we at times grow weary in activities. If you run a marathon you will definitely be tired at the end of it. The logical thing to follow will be taking some time to rest. Eleazar struck the Philistines till his hand was weary (2 Samuel 23:10). David became exhausted fighting the Philistines (2 Samuel 21:15). One thing the Bible teaches about is that much study is wearing to the flesh (Ecclesiastes 12:12). This should be studying for many years without taking a break. We need to study in order to discover new things. Issachar saw that rest was good (Gen. 49:15). It should be good for us because we are told God rested from all His works as well (Hebrew 4:4). God promises that “my presence will go with you and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14). God gives rest to His people (1 Kings 8:56).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us find rest in you. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
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