Finding Strength In God When You’re Running On Fumes

Isaiah 33:2

“LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.”

The text was written as a prayer by the prophet Isaiah during a time when Israel was facing decline and Assyria was taking kingdoms by storm. It was an uncertain, scary, and watchful time in Biblical history. I encourage you to read chapter 33 in its entirety and do a little ancient history research if you have time. It’s fascinating!

So what does a looming Assyrian takeover for the Israelites and your exhausted-momma-self have in common? The need for finding strength in God every single morning. Yes, they are two very different situations, but our Savior is the same in each (Hebrews 13:8). And he cares for you just the same as he cared for the nation of Israel then. Many times as a momma, you likely don’t feel important. More like a servant who gets bossed around all day by small humans, right? Like if you have to clean up one more mess you are going to collapse, right? But you will always be important to God, the only one who will never get tired.

Isaiah 40:28-31

“28 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. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 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 be faint.”

Do those verses breathe new life into you as you are running-on-fumes? The God whose strength is infinite pumps strength into us and increases our power. Woo! That makes me want to jump for joy even though just a second ago I wanted to fall asleep standing up. Keep in mind that these verses don’t mean that finding strength in God means your physical body won’t be tired after, say, doing what seems like 700 loads of laundry. It does mean that our spirit will be renewed by God’s strength if we hope in him.

Psalm 119:28

“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.”

Let us be strengthened according to God’s word. There is no other way that we can face each day with true hope and everlasting joy. If you are struggling with abiding in God’s word, what is your biggest obstacle? Reach out to a friend or family member that can help you stay accountable.

This is part of a series called The “I’m Exhausted” devotional. Click here to read more of the series. Messy Tired Love devotionals connect everyday mom moments to the truth of the gospel. Learn more here.