God will sustain you

When was the last time you asked God for help?

Christmas is over! That means you’re well rested, right?

Ha.

Yes, I can hear you laughing from here.

I mean, maybe you’re a more responsible adult than I am (it’s highly likely) and you actually used your holiday to rest. More often than not, though, I find that the holiday season is the time when we all run ourselves completely ragged.

That exhaustion doesn’t let up when Christmas is over. For me, it often continues long into the new year. When I was younger, it wasn’t as big a deal. I had more energy. I had more brain cells. Now? I feel like I’m barely holding on by a thread. I’m usually just one step away from needing a full-blown nap.

I expect that 2022 will be worse than usual, because 2021 and 2020 certainly were. So how do I tackle the coming year with optimism and hopefulness when I already anticipate being exhausted?

Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:30-31

Maybe it sounds like a bad cliché to recommend calling on God for renewed strength, but have you tried it lately?

It really does work. I wouldn’t have believed it either, but when I get to the end of my rope (which happens a lot the older I get), I just take a step back. I remind myself to breathe, and I remember who I am and why I’m here and who God is. Somewhere in there, I receive the strength to keep going. Most of the time I just have to remember where I get my strength in the first place.

God gives us the breath in our lungs. He can give us our second wind when we need it.

Questions for Reflection

• Have you taken time to write down what you need help with?

• What are the biggest draws on your energy level?

• How intentional are you with the time you spend with God?

Weekly Memory Verse