After my journey to SE Asia, I determined to enjoy my family as much as possible. My Mom is visiting with us from Ohio and her visit has been such a blessing to me. It’s so good to see her moving around again and enjoying life.

The night before last I kept the grandkids overnight. Since Mom was sleeping in the room normally designated for these young ones, we set up a make shift bedroom in the living room. An inflatable bed and a couch served as our sleeping quarters for the night.

Joy (age 6) did wonderfully. Fell asleep, slept through the night, and woke up “first thing in the morning” to awaken her Aunt Candy.

Percy (age 21 months) didn’t do quite as well. Getting him to sleep wasn’t the issue. Keeping him asleep was. He slept the best after 4:30 a.m. which meant, that was my best sleep as well.

Yesterday, I spent the day with a cup of coffee in one hand most of the day. I was pretty tired.

But I found great joy in being with Joy and Percy. I found that holding these young ones close is still one of the best feelings in the world. I found that regardless of how tired I was, I enjoyed each moment I spent with them.

So for those of you who are tired, exhausted or weary, this morning I offer Scripture to encourage you. Scripture to help you keep going when you really feel like giving up. Scripture to lighten your burden just a bit.

Finding Rest in God
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tied and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31 – NIV)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 – NIV)

Weariness
“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” (Psalm 119:28 – NIV)

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” (Jeremiah 31:25 – NIV)

Rest
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1 – NIV)

“A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest.” (Proverbs 6:10 – NIV) [NOTE: I have fallen in love with this little verse!]

Restoration
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:12 – NIV)

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10 – NIV)

Sleep
“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.” (Psalm 127:2 – NIV)

“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:24 – NIV)

I pray that as you begin your day, you know where rest can be found. If you are struggling with a weariness that is more than you can bear, run into your Father’s arms. He’s waiting to offer His rest to you.

Perhaps you need to plaster your work area with these verses of Scripture. Or maybe in strategic areas around your home. Or even in your car. Keep them handy. Keep reminding yourself where you can continually find strength to get through one more day, hour, or minute.

I also pray that you’ll know that you can lean upon God for His source of strength and His peace for restful sleep. He’s offering. Why not accept?

I look forward to more sleepless nights ahead. Grandbaby number four should be arriving very soon. The joy of grand-motherhood far outweighs the weariness of sleep deprivation!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna