Tiredness

A natural outcome of work and stress for which God has provided relief, rest and renewal. Scripture recognises that tiredness may have spiritual, as well as physical, causes.

Causes of tiredness

Work

Matthew 8:24 parallels Mark 4:38, Luke 8:23 See also Ecclesiastes 10:15, Ecclesiastes 12:12

Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was engulfed by the waves. But Jesus was sleeping.

Afflictions and stress

Job 16:7 See also 2 Samuel 17:29; 1 Kings 19:3–5; Psalm 69:3; 2 Corinthians 12:15

Surely He has now exhausted me; You have devastated all my family.

Concern and anxiety

Psalm 31:9–10 See also Psalm 6:6, Psalm 32:3–4, Psalm 119:28; Jeremiah 45:3; Luke 22:45

Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes fail from sorrow, my soul and body as well. For my life is consumed with grief and my years with groaning; my iniquity has drained my strength, and my bones are wasting away.

Desire for money and possessions

Proverbs 23:4

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself.

Travelling

See also Deuteronomy 25:18; Judges 8:4; 2 Samuel 16:14; John 4:6

Old age

Ecclesiastes 12:3

Zeal for the Lord's work

Psalm 119:139

Battles

Judges 4:21; 1 Samuel 14:31; 2 Samuel 21:15, 2 Samuel 23:10; Jeremiah 51:30

Sin and rebellion

Isaiah 57:10; Jeremiah 9:5; Ezekiel 23:43

Foolishness

Ecclesiastes 1:8; Isaiah 46:1, Isaiah 47:13; Jeremiah 12:13

Help from God to deal with tiredness

God's promises of help and rest

Isaiah 40:28–31 See also Isaiah 46:4; 2 Corinthians 9:8

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; His understanding is beyond searching out. He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

Jesus Christ offers rest and encouragement

Matthew 11:28–30; Revelation 2:2–3 See also Mark 6:31

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.”

I know your deeds, your labor, and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and you have tested and exposed as liars those who falsely claim to be apostles. Without growing weary, you have persevered and endured many things for the sake of My name.

Trusting God as the antidote to anxiety and sorrow

Matthew 6:25–27 parallel Luke 12:25–27 See also Psalm 119:28

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

God's provision of times for rest

Genesis 1:5, Genesis 2:2 parallels Exodus 20:8–11, Deuteronomy 5:12–15; Psalm 127:2; Jeremiah 31:25

Help from others to deal with tiredness

Encouragements to be strong in the Lord and to persevere

Psalm 27:14; 1 Corinthians 15:58 See also Galatians 6:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:13; Hebrews 12:1–3

Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

God's help channelled through others

Isaiah 50:4 See also 2 Corinthians 1:3–4

The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.

Physical help from others

2 Samuel 16:2 See also Exodus 17:12; Judges 8:15; 2 Samuel 17:28–29; 1 Kings 19:5–6

“Why do you have these?” asked the king. Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.”

Advice about lifestyle

Exodus 18:17–23

But Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. Surely you and these people with you will wear yourselves out, because the task is too heavy for you. You cannot handle it alone. Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their causes to Him. Teach them the statutes and laws, and show them the way to live and the work they must do. Furthermore, select capable men from among the people — God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you. If you follow this advice and God so directs you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people can go home in peace.”