“Fatigue makes cowards of us all” is a quote attributed to former Green Bay Packers coach, Vince Lombardi, and even before him, Shakespeare, himself. Marine Corps drill instructors use this phrase in their training as well.
a life-draining issue
Fatigue does make people cowards because it makes them want to quit. Fatigue has kept many from victory, snatching it away just before the victory would have been won. This is true in athletics, war, negotiations, all types of situations. The fatigue can be physical, emotional, or mental, but whatever form it may take, it will take its toll.
The same is true concerning our physical and spiritual lives. When we are not replenished with food, drink, and rest, we become physically weary. When we are not replenished spiritually, we become spiritually weary. Even being physically, mentally, or emotionally weary can have an impact on us spiritually. We should never lose sight of the fact that we are in a spiritual battle, and are running a life-long race. Fatigue can be a life-draining issue.
God’s Gift to us
That is why God gives us REST. His invitation is for us to come to Him and “find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29). We are told that there is a sabbath rest for the people of God, and that we can enter into His rest. He also gives us the night to rest, giving to His beloved, even as they slumber. Rest is a precious and important gift. When we receive the rest that God provides, we are renewed and strengthened for whatever the journey may bring.
Don’t neglect those things which replenish you physically, mentally, and emotionally. And by no means neglect those gifts of worship, prayer, scripture-study, and fellowship that replenishes us spiritually. Don’t forget that our rest is a gift from God, and ultimately, our rest is found in Him.
Psalm 46:10 says, “Cease striving, and know that I am God.” Psalm 23:2 says, “He leads me besides waters of rest.” Rest is part of the plan of God. He modeled it on the seventh day of creation, and He purposed it for our lives. It is not time wasted. It is time in which we can know God better and which God can prepare us for the coming seasons of life. Rest is God’s gift to us, and it is life-giving.
As Lent commences on Ash Wednesday, we are entering a time of introspection and prayer leading to Easter. Let us reflect on the significance of death preceding resurrection, urging readers to embrace a daily practice of surrendering self in preparation for our spiritual transformation.