Where the Exhausted Find Strength for the Battle
BETH KNIGHT
Lee en español
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:7 (NIV)
As we made another trip down the hallway toward our infant twins’ bedroom echoing with late-night wails, my husband sarcastically quipped, “If God loves us, wouldn’t He want us to sleep?” With tired smiles, we soothed our sweet babies back to sleep and tiptoed back toward our bed.
Nine years later, I reluctantly roll over in bed to check the time on my phone: 3 a.m. I’m wide awake. Again. I fail to find this season of exhaustion cute or humorous because, unlike the passing newborn phase, this season seems endless.
Like me, do you desire to live faithfully for Christ, but your body is oh so tired?
Sleep feels essential during this time in my life because I am trying to heal from chronic illness. And when the sun comes up, I have children to raise, a husband to love, friendships to nurture and personal sin to battle.
Weary from approaching my daily tasks with heavy eyes and limbs, I burrow deeper beneath my blankets and question God. How am I supposed to do all You’ve called me to do when sleeplessness and chronic fatigue are relentless?
In the quiet of the night, a still, small voice gently reminds me that my confidence is not in how well-rested I am but in how well I am resting in Christ.
Psalm 20:7 comes to mind: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”
At first glance, warriors with chariots and horses appear to have the advantage. Yet King David put his complete confidence in the name of the Lord for victory in battle. Other psalms also echo this trust.
“A horse is a false hope for victory; Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.” (Psalm 33:17, AMP)
“It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.” (Psalm 18:32, NIV)
Although I may not trust in chariots and horses, I’m guilty of thinking worldly advantages will assure my success. I often believe I would be a better reflection of Christ in my roles as a wife, mom and friend if only I had more ________. Being well-rested, having more help or having everything go my way might make me feel better prepared for my daily battles. But the Bible tells me victory is found by calling on the name of the Lord and relying on His strength.
As difficult as it may be, this means being utterly depleted is a gift from God because it’s teaching me total dependence on Christ. I might be exhausted right now as I rely on Him, but nothing would be more exhausting than trying to live for Christ in my own strength.
So, precious friend, there’s no way around it — becoming warriors for Christ requires that we first become weak. Though we desire physical advantages, the strongest you and I will ever be for battle is when we're fighting on our knees in prayer.
Heavenly Father, I am exhausted in mind, body and spirit. I humbly ask for the grace to rely on Your strength instead of my own. Help me remember my daily battles are only won through Your power at work within me and for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
What lies heaviest on your heart as you lay your head on your pillow? We understand the anxieties that come right before you go to sleep. That's why we wrote our newest devotional, Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart: Prayers and Devotions for Sleeping Well in a World Full of Worry. Written by women just like you, these devotions will help you remember the true source of help — even when you feel anxious and unsteady — through reading God’s Word, prayers and the stories of fellow sisters in Christ. For a limited time, you can get a FREE copy with a donation of your choice to Proverbs 31 Ministries. Click here to get yours today!
Know someone who would love to read today’s devotion in Spanish? Good news! All our daily devotions are translated into Spanish, and you can subscribe to receive them, or browse our Spanish archive, here!
ENGAGE
For more encouragement, download Beth Knight’s free “Relying on God’s Strength” Scripture Memory Cards. Beth would also love to connect with you on Instagram.
One of the best ways to find strength when we’re exhausted is to give and receive encouragement in community together. We’d love to meet you in our devotions community group on Facebook!
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Proverbs 18:10, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” (NKJV)
Ephesians 6:10, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” (ESV)
What attribute of God encourages you the most when you struggle with exhaustion? How is God calling you to trust Him in the battles you face today?
We’d love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2022 by Beth Knight. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Monday, 26 September 2022.
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