January 25, 2023
Daily Devotion:
"Use Our Time and Resources Wisely"
Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives strength to those who are tired and more power to those who are weak. Even children become tired and need to rest, and young people trip and fall. But the people who trust the Lord will become strong again. They Will rise up as an eagle in the sky; they will run and not need rest; they will walk and not become tired.
If you ever struggle with the discouragement that comes from fatigue, you are in good company- Moses, one of the greatest leaders in the history of humankind, became so exasperated from the grumblings of the Israelites That he lashed out in anger, bringing God's judgment on him (see Numbers 20:2-13).
The prophet Elijah was so tired from standing alone for God Against false prophets that he withdrew from the world and said that he preferred death over life (see 1 Kings 19:3-9)! David, while waiting to assume the throne promised to him by God, felt so beset by his enemies that he wrote Numerous Psalms of lament and sorrow (see Psalms 59, 69, and 72). Even Jesus, Son of God (but fully man), was so discouraged and weary in the Garden of Gethsemane, that He longed to have His Friends beside Him in this moment of acute need (see Mark 14:32-42).
None of us are immune from the effects of fatigue on our body, mind, and spirit. No wonder it is so important that we continually seek and create ways to balance work, rest, play, and worship if we are to be at our very best. In addition to using our time and resources more wisely, we must turn to the Giver of life, God himself, who will bring renewal to even the weariest spirit. All that's required is trust: trust that God loves you and will minister to your spirit. That's What God did for Moses, David, Elijah, and other heroes of faith and that's what He will do for you.
