Sometimes life can throw you some crazy curves and wear you out. Sometimes we just get tired.  Ever feel that way?

That’s what I am experiencing right now. I’m tired. I have so much going on between family, church, and a few other areas that I am involved in. I’m tired.

So what do you do when you reach that point? How do you combat this feeling and continue to be effective and keep the edge that you need?

Is there anything at you that you can do? I think there is. And I think that it can be easier than most people realize.

Jesus got tired. During his earthly ministry, he experienced times just like this. Shortly after his cousin, John the Baptist, was executed, he decided to get away from the busyness of life for a time. He withdrew to a quiet place to regather himself, along with his disciples. In Matthew 14:13, it says this:

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself.

Jesus needed to get away. However the people followed him, and it wasn’t long before he was feeding 5000 of them. But his purpose was to get away and recover.

We need to do the same thing. I think there are at least four ways that we can recover from the busyness of life that surrounds us and drags us down.

Rest

Sometimes, the most spiritual thing we can do is to take a nap. If our bodies and minds are wiped out, we may have nothing left to give until we rest a bit. In times like this, sleep is very beneficial.

A few days ago, after a very busy stretch in my life, I took a day off and slept and rested all day. I woke up late, took a nap in the morning, relaxed over lunch with my wife, took a nap in the afternoon, and then went to bed early. It did wonders for my body, and my attitude.

Read

Often, when life has pulled me into a period of whirlwind activity and I am exhausted, I turn to a good book. Frequently, I read from God’s Word and allow it to rejuvenate me. Other times, I read something else, but still something that challenges and encourages me. The Bible, or a good book, can help refresh you.

Respond

In Matthew 14, when Jesus needed to rest, he really didn’t have much of a chance to do that. The crowds followed him and wanted to be around him. In response, he fed them, more than 5000 of them.

For you and I, finding an opportunity to serve someone else can be very refreshing, and keep our perspective in the proper place.

Retreat

Another avenue to restore yourself when you feel drained is to retreat. Sometimes, this can be as simple as taking a Personal Retreat Day. Other times, you may need a few days away. I am doing this in a few weeks, heading to Cincinnati, Ohio, for a few days at the North American Christian Convention. A conference, filled with great worship, challenging speakers, and fellowship with others can work wonders are rejuvenating the spirit

Each of these ways are very helpful when it comes to overcoming the tiredness that comes with life and ministry. Certain situations may require one or another of these, while other times you may have the flexibility to choose.

Either way, when you feel tired and drained, listen to the signals your body is sending you. Overdoing it can lead to burnout and even health problems. But a break to help restore you can fill you full enough to continue to serve God where you are.

And the results of such recuperation can be exponential. Who knows the impact you can have when you are at your fullest, or the opportunities that you miss when you are drained?

Take the time to refresh your body and your spirit.

Take the time to rest.

Question: What do you do to restore yourself? How do you recognize when you need it? You can leave a comment by clicking here.