Thursday: REJOICING WHEN I AM TIRED

Jun 30, 2022
2 min read

Lord, allow me to see You at work even when I’m tired. When my mind is racing with other things, bring thoughts of praise into my mind, so I can rest in You.

Psalm 5:8-12

Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies—make your way straight before me. Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies. Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you. But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

If I ever question who is leading my life, I simply need to look and see who I’m following. If it is not the Lord, then I’m on the wrong path. The Lord leads in righteousness; when I don’t see His righteousness before me, I should question if I have lost my way.

There are enemies who are out to attack me; they are very deceptive with their lies. They try to pull me away from the Lord with their words; not a word from their mouth can be trusted because their hearts are filled with malice.

Those who take refuge in the Lord will be glad and will sing for joy. For them, the Lord is like a shield and blesses those who trust in Him.

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS: The Lord didn’t tell me this life would be easy; in fact, He said it would be hard. I should expect many distractions and intrusions by those who desire to divert me from the Lord; they will tell me to trust in myself. If I trust in myself and not the Lord, I will fall with them.

Besides outside distractions, the things I’m intrigued with will also draw me away from the Lord. My thoughts may wander while I’m praying or even when I’m trying to fall asleep. I may mistake this for normal brain activity, but these lead me to start thinking about other things, rather than the things the Lord has prepared for me. The Lord desires for me to sing for joy, or rejoice, especially when I’m distracted. I can test this the next time I’m too tired to sleep—Singing praises to the Lord; this will revive my heart and my mind.

I am glad I desire to trust in the Lord. He spreads His protection over me; I shout for joy and rejoice in Him. Each time I experience this battle, I rely on the Lord to pull me through it. If I’m not experiencing battles, should I wonder if I’m on the wrong side? O Lord, let that not be so. Help me and deliver me from the battles around me and claim victory in my heart for You.

May you be blessed,

Chaplain Wayne Ruckman