What does it mean to be tired?

Maybe the longer you live, the more the meaning changes. The things that caused fatigue in high school are far different than the things that cause fatigue in your adult life.

Perhaps it’s the demands of work, school or family. Or it could be the pressure of always having to be at the top of your game at work. No matter the source of your exhaustion, it seems to be compounded by the often unforgiving world in which we live.

Now more than ever, you are connected to people, events and streams of activity that all vie for your attention. Whether you are at home or elsewhere, there’s never really any time when you feel at ease. You are either catching up on work emails or browsing mindless apps on your phone. It’s easy to get lost in the haze of these activities, going from task to task, letting your mind gloss over, all the while thinking you’re just doing what’s normal. But somewhere, in the back of your mind, a voice is telling you that there’s more to life than this chaos.

You realize that need a break. But really, you don’t just need a break. You need to find rest. Real rest. And yet, even knowing this can be more burdensome than it is helpful. Where do you even start?

One place you can begin is by turning to God’s Word. These three Bible verses will get you started:

1. Psalm 94:12-14 (GNTD)
   Lord, how happy are those you instruct, the ones to whom you teach your law! You give them rest from days of trouble until a pit is dug to trap the wicked. The Lord will not abandon his people; he will not desert those who belong to him.
2. Matthew 11:28 (GNTD)
   Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest.
3. Philippians 4:6-7 (GNTD)
   Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.