Feeling overwhelmed and tired? What is it that is overwhelming you and causing you to be tired? How can you respond to these feelings to overcome and be refreshed? In this time, how will or would you pass the tests that come your way? What is in your heart? What will your response say about your character? Will you decide to respond in a way that will glorify God by responding in humility and obeying God’s Word?
If you miss the mark and make the wrong choice, will you turn back to God and ask Him to forgive and help you? The enemy is looking to make you overwhelmed and tired and then to trip you up in those moments. Lean in on God, trusting Him and His promises. Avoid trying to go it alone but instead seek God and His peace and presence! Don’t try to carry it alone, cast your cares on Jesus because He cares for you!
Firstly, we must trust God and His promises:
‘For God alone my soul waits in silence; From Him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, My defense and my strong tower; I will not be shaken or disheartened. ‘
Psalms 62:1-2
Secondly, we must seek God’s peace and presence:
‘Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord , the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become tired or grow weary; There is no searching of His understanding. He gives strength to the weary, And to him who has no might He increases power. Even youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, But those who wait for the L ord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired.’
Isaiah 40:28-31
Finally, we must cast our cares upon Him because He cares for us:
‘Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.] After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be]. To Him be dominion (power, authority, sovereignty) forever and ever. Amen. ‘
1 Peter 5:6-11
Let’s be like those who trusted God when they felt overwhelmed and tired:
The Bible also shows us many examples of people who felt overwhelmed by their situations, but who found hope and help in God. Some of them are:
Bing.com Chat AI provides some examples of people
- David, who faced many enemies and dangers, but who always cried out to God for deliverance and praised him for his faithfulness. He wrote many psalms that express his feelings of being overwhelmed, but also his confidence in God’s protection and provision2.
- Elijah, who was a powerful prophet of God, but who also experienced fear, depression, and exhaustion. He fled from Jezebel’s threat to kill him, and prayed that he might die. But God sent an angel to feed him, a gentle whisper to comfort him, and a new mission to empower him3.
- Paul, who was an apostle of Christ, but who also suffered many hardships and persecutions for the sake of the gospel. He was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, imprisoned, and opposed by many. But he also experienced God’s grace, power, joy, and peace in the midst of his troubles. He wrote many letters that encourage us to rejoice in our sufferings, to pray without ceasing, and to rely on God’s sufficient grace.
Today’s Verse of the Day:
Where are you today? Therefore, let’s turn to God when overwhelmed and tired, casting our cares on Him. Additionally, let’s trust in Him for grace, mercy, and peace to refresh our souls with salvation.
So how can we apply today’s verse of the day towards being the dads we need to be for our wives and kids, even in the midst of feeling overwhelmed and tired?
Applications of Matthew 11:28 to help us be the dads our families need us to be even in the midst of feeling overwhelmed and tired:
- Prioritize Time with God: Just as the verse encourages us to come to Jesus for rest, start your day by spending time in prayer, meditation, and reading the Bible. This will equip you with the strength and wisdom to face challenges.
- Model Self-Care: Recognize that taking care of yourself is not selfish; it enables you to better care for your family. Prioritize adequate sleep, exercise, and healthy habits to maintain your physical and mental well-being.
- Delegate and Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your spouse, extended family, or friends. Sharing responsibilities and seeking support when needed can alleviate feelings of overwhelm.
- Communicate Openly: Talk to your wife about your feelings of exhaustion and stress. Honest communication fosters understanding and collaboration, ensuring you work together as a team.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Strive for balance and set achievable goals for your work, family, and personal life. Avoid overcommitting and feeling stretched thin.
- Create Family Rituals: Establish routines and traditions that strengthen family bonds. Regular family meals, outings, or game nights provide moments of joy and connection amidst busy schedules.
- Practice Patience: Remember that parenting is a journey filled with challenges. Respond to difficult situations with patience and a calm demeanor, reflecting the love and grace of Christ.
- Teach by Example: Demonstrate the values of compassion, forgiveness, and humility in your interactions with your spouse and children. Your actions speak louder than words.
- Spend Quality Time: Be present and engaged when spending time with your family. Quality interactions have a greater impact than quantity alone.
- Cultivate Gratitude: Practice gratitude for the blessings in your life, even during tough times. This mindset shift can enhance your perspective and help you focus on what truly matters.
Remember that no one is perfect, and being a dad is a continuous learning process. By applying the principles of Matthew 11:28, you can find rest, renewal, and the strength needed to be the loving and supportive father your family needs, even in the midst of challenges.