“May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy” (Colossians 1:11).

Can you identify a time in your life when you were tired, really tired? You know what I mean. I’m speaking of more than a lack of sleep but rather the type of tiredness that springs from physical, spiritual and emotional fatigue. I’ve been there on more than one occasion; that’s why Paul’s words to the Colossians speak to me.  

I note several things in Paul’s words that serve to encourage us during our times of fatigue. First, he notes that our strength is to be with “all power according to his glorious might.” The literal meaning of Paul’s words suggests that the measure of strength available to us is in comparison to God’s glory and might. When is the last time you tried to measure God’s glory and might? You get my point. What Paul is telling us is that God’s resources are available to us in proportion to his power and glory. Wow! 

The second thing he tells us is that the purpose of God’s power granted unto us is so that we might endure our present circumstances. Paul wants us to rely on God for however long our tiring circumstances last. Finally, the patience we display during tiring times is to be flavored with joy that flows from the certainty that it is God’s power that enables us to endure. I see in that a wonderful formula for survival during tiring times, don’t you? 

Now let’s make this practical. Are you tired? How tired are you? What circumstances have conspired to make you tired? Do you see any relief on the way? With these questions in mind there are several things to consider. 

Certainly one thing to take into consideration during tiring times is to seek ways to restore your strength. The gospels have several references to Jesus and his followers getting away for the purpose of restoring their strength. If such a season of rest is possible, by all means take advantage of it! 

Yet we have all knows times when such rest isn’t possible, at least not in the short term. This is where Paul’s words become applicable. Here’s how it works. Simply do the next thing that must be done, whatever it might be, in the power of God. Do it with joy as you rely on his strength. It’s amazing how ready God is to empower you to “do the next thing”. As we engage in our activities, while seeking a time to rest, we’ll begin to feel God’s strength and power working in us. The result is joy. Paul learned this lesson. You can also!