Friday, August 27: Fatigue

Today, I am tired, having climbed a mountain yesterday. The process was so repetitious for 22 miles that even when sleeping, my body seemed to continue on the journey. Part of the human condition is having bodies that need rest. Most of us tend to find our balance more on the side of tired than of rested. If that negative balance continues for long enough, we cross the line from fatigue to exhaustion. That feeling of absolute fatigue may begin with physical signs, but the root is typically much deeper than physical strain.

“Our fatigue is often caused not by work, but by worry, frustration and resentment.” ---Dale Carnegie

Carnegie’s statement carries a ring of truth, for when faced with difficult decisions, many times, it affects our sleep. Have you ever found your mind racing when it should be dreaming of eating banana splits when you still had hair on your head? Oh, I guess that is just my dream!


6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7


God’s promise to us on this matter is a conditional one. If we don’t worry, but instead, hand the issues over to Him to resolve and trust that He will, then He will fill us with a peace that is beyond what others could understand in the middle of that turmoil. It comes down to a matter of trust. When we worry, we are calling God a liar, as He already has promised many times that He will not let us down in any way. He never will leave us or forsake us. He always will work out all things together for the benefit of those whom He has chosen. He cannot lie for it is against His nature. Trust Him!


Worry causes a snowball effect in our sleep pattern. Miss one night of rest, and grumpiness affects actions throughout the day and other relationships, which will add to the worry in your life. That gives the worrywart more issues to worry about!

“Fatigue makes cowards of us all.” ---Vince Lombardi

But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Remember, God will handle your issues in His time! That’s what it means to wait on Him! Somehow, in the heat of the battle, we can lose sight of the fact that not only is God’s answer the perfect one, but His timing is perfect, as well. When we are able to hand the issue over to the Lord, our strength will be renewed. That is because we then, are operating under His power, rather than our own. Instead of carrying the burdens of the world upon our narrow shoulders, we run unfettered. Unfortunately, it sounds easier than it is, due to our sinful nature. For most of us, it becomes a process. First, we understand what it says in God’s Word, so our brain grasps the concept. Yet sometimes we have to endure some fatigue and maybe even some exhaustion before that message travels the 18-inches between our heads and our hearts. Once we accept in our hearts that God is as always, in control, the burden is lifted.


And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
Hebrews 3:18