Too Tired to Wait?

 Who hasn't heard Isaiah 40:31? It was one of our favorite verses to sing back in the 70's when the practice was to put music to scriptures. We sang everything! And most of the time, it was old King James Version, too! You could hear it ringing out, They that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint. 

But some days, waiting sounds like a lot of work, especially if I am going to have to fly like an eagle, run any distance, or walk across the room. :-) I literally think there are some times when waiting seems like it takes way too much energy. Caregiver exhaustion is no joke. 

Maybe that's a good time to back up a couple of verses. In verse 28, Isaiah reminds us that God does not get tired like us. In fact, in Isaiah 30:18, the prophet explains that God is waiting on us. And He still doesn't get tired or weary. Obviously, that's two different levels. Tired. Weary. I am pretty sure we've experienced them both at one time or another. I'd say that tired is in the body. Weary is in the soul. That's when I remind myself that He's got me covered, as the next verse explains.

Verse 29 says that He gives power to those who are tired and worn out. (NLT) He gives strength to the weak. Then, and only then, can we fly, run, and walk!

So, what happens when we let out that last big sigh and feel just too tired to even think about waiting? 

Pretty sure God's got that covered too!  In fact, He even gets the sigh and every single emotion, thought, and feeling that pushed it out. I love that He is so in tune with us that He hears and feels our deepest sighs. And with the very next breath, He is there to offer strength, comfort, and power. He gets that we are worn out. That's why He offers to carry us and to share His strength with us. He knows we often feel powerless and weak. 

Today, I'll remind myself that my weakness doesn't push God away. He understands my frailty and doesn't run away. Instead, He moves in closer so He can lift me up. I love that He gets my deepest sighs and understands the emotions behind every tear. He won't even condemn me for my outbursts. Because He gets it. And He still offers strength for the journey. I believe I can trust this compassionate, caring, scooping-me-up-in-His-arms God with one more day. Will you join me?

______________________________________________

Affirmations for Caregivers

I wrote Affirmations for Caregivers because it was what I needed to hear! This 31-day journal includes 31 scripturally based affirmations. Each day, the affirmation is followed by a short writing prompt and a verse or two to read. I also have videos on YouTube that coincide with each day's affirmation.