When We Are Drained

After stressful or tragic times, after heightened emotions like fear, anger, confusion, and questioning, it’s normal to feel drained. It’s normal to have days of uncertainty and emotional fatigue. The Bible addresses this by reminding us who our source is. Jeremiah 31:25 says, “I will refresh the weary, and satisfy the faint.” Do you need to be refreshed today? Is your spirit in need of recharge and renewal? Is your cup empty? Only God can satisfy you. Only He can renew your spirit.


The world will give you a thousand options. Selling relaxation is a big industry in this world. Every ad for things like skin products, vacation spots, restaurants, etc., they always use words like “relax” or “recharge”. We know being renewed is something we are in often need of, another result of sin and darkness in this world, but you cannot plug into a dead source. You can’t find it out there.


The Bible encourages fellowship with other believers when we are feeling this way. Where two or more are gathered (even virtually in this time of social distancing!), the Lord is there in their midst (Matthew 18:20). You can find examples of this in Philemon 1:7, “For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” 1 Corinthians 16:18 says, “For they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men.” Romans 15:32 describes Paul feeling this way. He writes, “So that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.” The main mistake we make in feeling this way is we withdraw many times. Fellowship and having someone pray over you, inviting the Lord into your midst and spending time in His presence in corporate worship, can refresh us so much.


When you’re weak, you can come before the Lord just as you are. You can ask your brothers and sisters in Christ for prayer. When you’re weak, all you need to do is get to that source.


I love the sheep/Shepherd analogy in Psalm 23. Sheep are all-trusting to their shepherds. They follow him and trust that when they are in need He will meet that need. David writes:


The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me
Your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
(Psalm 23:1-4)


I encourage you today if you’re struggling with feeling drained or weak to connect to the true source of life, of restoration, of renewal. Trust Him alone to lead you to where you need to be, trust in Him by resting during life’s storms. The wind and waves still know His name.