Prayers for Peace of Mind: Help for Anxiety, Worry, or StressNäide

When You’re Exhausted

One of my favorite stories in Scripture is found in the moments after the prophet Elijah experiences an incredible victory. He has seen God show up and show off, but after receiving a new threat, Elijah runs away into the wilderness, sits down under a tree, tells God he’s ready to die, and falls asleep.

Haven’t we all had moments of irrational anxiety and exhaustion, even when we’ve just seen God work in our lives? God’s response to this situation is so reassuring. He didn’t rebuke Elijah; instead, He sent an angel with snacks and water while Elijah took a nap.

God knows sometimes what we need when we’re anxious is to pray, and other times it’s to pause and deal with what’s going on in our bodies.

Our loving God is compassionate toward our tiredness. Our faithful God is able to use even our weakest moments to show His strength. Our limitless God isn’t held back by our limitations.⁠

Yes, we are filled with the mighty, supernatural power of God—the same power that sent down fire from heaven and raised Jesus from the dead.

But for now, that power dwells within a very human body. Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is have a snack and a glass of water, then take a nap.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

God, I’m so grateful for your extraordinary compassion toward my humanity. Sometimes I’m so much harder on myself than You are. Help me be aware of not just what my soul needs but my body too. Thank You that every provision, whether spiritual or physical, is a gift from You. Amen.

TRUTH TO REMEMBER TODAY

Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is have a snack and a glass of water, then take a nap.