Pursuing God When You Feel Weary

Have you ever had days where you just don't want to get out of bed, let alone spend time in the Word? You are not alone. Many of us go through times when we experience weariness or exhaustion. We can experience exhaustion from depression, anxiety, a busy season of life, or just living in a fallen, broken world. We know we should spend time reading the Word and in prayer. Nothing else can bring comfort to our aching souls like God's Word. But when we know what to do, and then we don't do it, we can feel shame on top of everything else, thus continuing the cycle. So how do we pursue God when we are worn out, tired, and unmotivated? The answer is simple:

Start small.

There are small but impactful ways to meet with God. Start by meditating on God's Word, even if it is just one verse. God will be faithful to meet you there and draw you closer to Himself. Below are a few verses and short prayers you can use in those seasons. I pray that this would stir your weary heart as you pursue deeper fellowship with Christ.

Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly 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

Lord, I am tired.

Exhaustion overwhelms me.

I am weary and heavy-laden.

Rest seems elusive, out of reach.

But Your Word tells me otherwise.

It tells me that rest is found in You alone.

Help me to see that true rest comes from releasing the burdens I was never meant to carry.

He is before all things, and by him all things hold together. – Colossians 1:17

God, I am worn out.

I believe the lie that I have to hold everything together,

That I am responsible for my health, my kids' safety, and my security.

I strive and work and hustle to prove my worth.

I try to be my own god, adding to my sleepless nights and an endless list of worries.

Forgive me for the ways I try to take your authority.

Help me to stop striving, acknowledge my weakness

And be still before You.

God, thank You that You hold all things together, including me.

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. – James 4:8a

Lord, I feel far from You.

I cry out to You in short phrases and incomplete thoughts.

Help me. I need You. Be near to me.

In His kindness, the Holy Spirit groans on my behalf,

interceding for me when I am weak.

Lord, help me to find ways to draw near to You,

even when I feel tired or unmotivated.

Your nearness is what I need most.

He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep. – Psalm 121:3–4

God, I am exhausted.

I long for rest and restoration.

I praise You for You are a God who never slumbers

and never grows weary.

You are always working

and always good.

Help me to rest, knowing You work on my behalf.

The LORD is good to everyone; his compassion rests on all he has made. – Psalm 145:9

Lord, I'm struggling.

Help me to see your goodness,

past the fog of my exhaustion

and through my tears of worry.