Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30-31This week I heard a news story about what happens in the brain when we sleep. Apparently our brain cells shrink during sleep allowing for fluid to wash away waste products that have built up during the day, cleaning toxins from our brains (read the story here). We are, indeed, fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).
So, when God tells us we're going to get tired, why do we continually drive ourselves to do more? We think we need to have a job, be perfect parents and attend church whenever the doors are open. Most Christians are actually exhausted. So we shouldn't be surprised that they sometimes behave in ways which are quite out of character, even destructive.
Jesus knows what we're like. That's why He said:
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Time spent resting in the presence of Jesus is refreshing to body, mind and spirit. Like a tired toddler nestling into Daddy's shoulder, we can simply enjoy the sense of closeness with Him.
Prayer doesn't have to be about telling God all the things we want Him to do, or even about praise and worship. It can simply be a matter of spending time close to our Father's heart. And if we happen to fall asleep, so be it.
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