Just a few weeks into the new year and I’m tired.
I’m tired of getting up early in the morning and travelling to work for about an hour. I’m tired of long hours at school and having to travel back another hour or less after work.
I’m tired of tired children to deal with at home. I’m tired of a tired husband. Mostly, I’m tired of a constant tired me.
When our reality is far from ideal, this often happens. We find ourselves resenting the present. Alle sorts of negative thoughts begin to swarm our minds.
If only
We begin thinking of what we do not have and what we wished we did. Tons of if only's roll in and out throughout the day.
If only I stayed a little closer to work I wouldn’t have to wake up so early. If only I worked closer to home, then I wouldn’t spend hours travelling. If only my boys weren’t that tired then we could play more things. If only my husband had more energy then he wouldn’t be so tired.
If only I had this or if only I had that… the infinity wishes and wants.
Thank God
Is there even anything that I could thank God for in such a situation?
1 Thessalonians chapter 5, verse 18 exhorts us to thank God no matter what happens, that in everything we should gives thanks.
What do we give thanks for and what could we give thanks for when things don’t go our way?
It is important to note that we can give thanks for the many things God has given us but even more importantly, we need to know that we can and we should give thanks for who God is and not just what He does for us. Our thanks is not dependent on what we receive but on who God is.
Thank God that He is our Almighty Father who is bigger than any problems. Instead of telling His how big our problem is, we could tell our problem how big God is.
Thank God that He is love and He loves us despite who we are and though we are lacking. Instead of needing more or better things, we are accepted just the way we are and can find our joy in Him who delights in us.
Reach out
And when we begin to thank God, the weight of negativity slowly lifts and our whole outlook starts to shift. We no longer focus on our tired selves but turn to His wonderful love for all mankind. That’s when we begin to notice others around us. That’s when we start to reach out.
Reach out to the needy who needs things that we have and can pass along. Reach out to the lonely and be a friend. Reach out to the tired so they know that they can find rest in the Lord and He will renew their strength. Reach out to the persecuted by keeping them in prayers so they know they are not alone.
I am tired but when I begin to thank God, He enables me to reach out. Reach out, reach out, reach out; wherever you are, whenever you can, however you feel.