What to do When You’re Tired {And a Special Giveaway!}

Do you ever feel tired?

If you’re like me, you just raised you hand and added a shout for emphasis. Yes! I feel tired all of the time!

In Proverbs 31, the Bible describes a woman. You may have heard of her before, but if you haven’t, let me tell you – she knows about exhaustion. Verse after verse describes her daily demands … plant a vineyard, pick wool, provide food. I’m not sure when this gal sleeps, but it seems, whenever it is, it’s not for long. Yet still the Bible says,

She is clothed with strength and dignity,
    and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25 (NLT)

When I look at her to-do list I scratch my head, because let’s be honest, demands drain. They suck the life right out of you, so certainly they’d take your laugh with them, too. But not this girl.

Her work appears to do the opposite. She gains energy as she scurries to and fro with her spindle and shovel. She lengthens her list when the opportunity arises. She brings, provides, considers and extends. All for who? Herself? Her future? Her dreams? None of the above.

It’s all for someone else.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 (ESV)

Discontentment lies at the root of self-seeking actions. We strive for something greater because what we have is not enough.

The gun fires. Let the race for Happy begin. We set our sights on the finish line, whatever it may be, and exhaust ourselves trying to reach it. With eyes locked on personal goals others get left in the dust.

Finally we break through the ribbon to cheers and applause! We breathe a deep sigh of relief and smile. I did it. I made it to Happy.

The only problem …

Once you get to Happy, Happy moves.

Six years ago we bought a house in Texas. The uncertainty of Luke’s job often left us wondering where we would live and for how long, so the stability of a house near family brought bright smiles to our hearts.

When we walked through the front door we knew God picked this house for us. It was perfect. Right up until we decided the carpet must go. What once was white now was brown and grossed us out.

A short time later we overhauled the bathroom. All-in-all we’ve painted walls, added rooms, replaced counters … Happy moved.

But this girl, in Proverbs 31, she runs a different race.

She hung up her running shoes before the race even started! She refused to chase Happy.

But you, {insert your name}, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” 1 Timothy 6:11 (ESV)

She runs not after temporary gains and fleeting feel-good moments. Instead, she lays it all on the line for love. For endurance. For godliness.

She considers not how much she has to lose, but how much everyone else has to gain.

This kind of attitude may paint the picture of a life emptied of all fun or pleasure. But if you look closer you see, her works heap praise and reward on her life.

It’s risky business, living to serve. Counting others higher than yourself. But you won’t be the first to try your hand at it. Jesus paved this trail,

Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:6-8 (NIV)

To turn your works towards others, try these three ideas:

  1. Work with consistency. Strength to do anything requires regular repetition. To serve well, we must serve often. (Proverbs 31:17)
  2. Work without complaining. Remove bitterness and selfishness and consider every task as a special assignment from the Lord. (Philippians 2:14)
  3. Work hard. Choose to pursue hard things. To grow in strength, we must do things that require strength. (Haggai 2:4)

God wants us all to be clothed with strength and dignity with a laugh on our lips and no fear of the future. One vital step towards this is how we answer the question, What moves you?

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)

Now for the giveaway!

This week I’m excited to give away a copy of Karen Ehman’s latest book, Listen, Love, Repeat. In this book Karen will help you step into a new, purposed-filled life as you learn to intentionally love people the way that Jesus does. To enter to win, Leave a comment by Tuesday, March 14 and tell me which one of the 3 ideas listed above you will focus on this week!

*Update: Congratulations Kristin for winning a copy of Karen Ehman’s latest book, Listen, Love, Repeat! 

If you haven’t received my 15 power promises to fight fear and anxiety, I’d love to send them to you. Subscribe to my blog and I’ll send them straight to your inbox.

Do you live near Charleston, SC? Join me at the end of the month for the She Laughs Conference where we’ll learn more about the amazing woman in Proverbs 31, and how we too can live clothed with strength and dignity and laugh without fear of the future. For more details and to register click here!

If you can’t make it to this one, stay tuned. We will announce our fall conference schedule soon!

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78 Comments

  1. I am going to focus on 1 & 3… I so enjoyed reading this today and was in need of hearing those exact words. Thank you and Many blessings❤

    2. I am going to be focusing on working without complaining! I really need to focus on all three! This was such a great message. Thank you so much.

  3. Hi Katy, next week I will work without complaining or do my best in God’s will. Prayers are appreciated. I love your blog and love reading stories of your family. Hope to see Luke playing for the Saints again soon!

    1. Hi Cecilia! I am praying for you as you work without complaining. Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement.

  4. I am going to focus on working without complaining. Oh the complaining I can do and overlook the blessings.

    1. Amen Leigh! You are so right to connect complaining to stealing blessings. Thank you for sharing that with us!

  5. To work with consistency. I tend to “need” to skip a day, then just “forget” all about it. I need to make a conscious effort to stick with it.

    1. Me too, Cindy! Sometimes it’s so easy to compromise on consistency. Praying for you as you “stick with it”!

  6. I am going to focus on working without complaining this week. Trying to teach my kids to do that, and I know I need to learn that myself, too!
    God bless!

    1. I’m smiling reading this, Amy. So many times God convicts me of things I need to work on as I teach my kids. And, yes, complaining creeps in so easily. So glad you shared!

  9. I need to practice working without complaining. I’ve always been a hard worker, but the work never ends. Just when I think I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, I’m hit with a new project that I didn’t see coming. Just when I think I’m done for the day and I am exhausted and ready to go to bed, something else needs my attention. It gets, old you know?

    1. I understand, Susan, the work load can feel so very heavy. God sees you! I’m praying for you as you practice working without complaining.

  10. I like the idea of approaching chores as how it will affect others, not the work involved.

    1. Considering how others are impacted, instead of how I’m impacted has shifted my heart so much, Kate. It’s great to hear from you!

  11. When I first saw # 3 Work Hard I thought I do every day!! Don’t we all feel like we Work Hard every day? But then I read the rest of the #3 – Choose to pursue hard things. Hmmmm…….Do I choose to pursue hard that will make me grow or am I just working hard to get accomplished what I put on my plate that is easy – or not challenging me to make me grow. And then you threw in this: To grow in strength, we must do things that require strength. (Haggai 2:4) And how do we get strength unless we exercise those muscles. Very well said….I’m off to ponder…….

    1. Lol! I came to this conclusion one day while pushing multiple children in the stroller as we walked to the grocery store. We didn’t have a vehicle and I needed some groceries. We could wait until Daddy came home or make the walk to the store on the hot, summer morning. So, we walked. And I realized, choosing that difficult task over the easier option made me more convinced I could choose another hard task. It strengthened not only my physical muscles, but my spiritual ones as well. Great to hear from you, Lisa!

  12. Definitely need to work on not complaining, especially if it is something that needs to be done because someone else didn’t do it.

  13. I want to serve more often. I am reminded of a quote I think it is by Marcus Aurelius: “I expect to pass through this life but once. If there is any kindness or any good thing I can do to my fellow beings, let me do it now. I shall pass this way but once.”
    It feels good to help others.

    1. Beautiful reminder, Tami. I have thought to myself often, I will never regret serving more. Thank you for sharing!

  14. I need to work without complaining. I am a principle, teacher, wife, mom, and missionary. I love to serve, but when tired, it is easy to start the complaining cycle when others want to continuously put their burdens on my shoulders. I need to remember I am ultimately serving Him, and He has me in each position to grow and mold me to be more like Him.

    1. Such beautiful words, Felicia, “I am ultimately serving Him, and He has me in each position to grow and mold me to be more like Him.” Thank you for sharing!

  15. My focus is to work on #2 Work without complaining. There is so many things many of us complain about good, bad, etc when we should all try to pull the good from all, because everything truly happens for a reason and we are where we are today for the same reason. So, instead of complaing my alternative will try my hardest and best to pull a positive outcome or lookout on whatever negative thought struck me. Thanks for the read great eye opener.

    1. Hi Alane! I’m praying that as you rely on God, you will find the strength and grace given to us through Jesus to do the work He’s brought before you without complaining! Great to hear from you!

  16. I choose #3: Work hard. Choose to pursue hard things. To grow in strength, we must do things that require strength. (Haggai 2:4)

    Great post, Katy!

  17. Thank you for this encouragement today. I need to try to work without complaining as I take care of our two little boys while my husband works and studies for a big licensure exam.

    1. Praying for you today, Rachel! The work you are doing is so important! Even when no one else sees. Great to hear from you!

  18. Thank you for your encouraging words! I’m going to work on applying #2 to my life. I have gotten into the habit of complaining / sighing / dreading some of my repetitive daily tasks (the never-ending heaps of dirty dishes and laundry, just to name a couple). After reading your blog post, my view of doing these daily chores has definitely changed. I want to view and accept them as a “special assignment from the Lord”. 🙂 God bless you!

    1. Amen Ashlee! I know exactly what you’re talking about. Praying for you as you accept these very special assignments! Thanks for sharing!

  19. Wow this hit me! I will work on number two this week, because I’ve noticed that I’ve found myself getting upset a lot. For always having to do the same things! You know kids not picking things up and feeling like I am doing it all, angers some may shout at their husbands ????????‍♀️ ! I will not complain anymore, I will find strength and joy in all tasks placed in front of me. I need Gods help to reframe my mind and my thinking process!

    1. Powerful words, Carrie! You are not alone. I think so many of us have experienced exactly what you’re talking about. I’m so excited for what God will do in you and in your home as you rely on Him and accept His very special assignments! Go girl!!

  20. Work without complaining. Even if it might not be out loud, I might still be complaining inside, which is still complaining and thoughts of myself being higher than I really am.

    1. You are so right, Joanne. Complaining quietly, only in our thoughts, can be so destructive. Great insight. Thank you for sharing!

  21. Mine is definitely #2 work without complaining. It’s so easy to ge caught up in the mood of my other co-workers and fall into the same pattern. I am going to focus on working for the Lord not man!

  23. thank you– I need to focus on not becoming bitter after decades of serving my family
    I feel like I have a well intentioned heart only to get crushed at times by no one seeming to care…

    1. Hi Carrie, praying for you today. Even when no one seems to care, God sees you!

  24. I loved the devotional it was spot on for me. I often go through my everyday tasks like they are redundant and without much thought but this has put a whole new perspective on WORK! It makes me feel like I have a new job. I will try to focus on all three but the one I want to focus most on this week is work without complaining. That’s a tough one I may not complain out loud but my heart says a different story. I want to be thankful for every part of my work and praise God that I have such a task before me. Thank you again for this great truth!

    1. This is beautiful, Melissa, “I want to be thankful for every part of my work and praise God that I have such a task before me.” I love it! Thank you for sharing!

  25. Thank you Katy for delving into what strength and dignity really means as a woman in this crazy, busy world! My biggest challenge is how to be on top of ‘my race’ this time of year when my SAD has kicked into full gear. Thank you for your 3 ideas. I loved your insight into work hard. Yes it is a choice and that strength will come because of that choice! For me it means not to give up on the gifts God has given me and not to second guess that hard work that is in front of me. I continue to say that God is not done with me yet! Ha!

  26. Work with consistency is where I shall focus this week. I enjoyed your writing/blog. I find it inspiring and encouraging. Thank you for being consistently encouraging!
    Have a great week.

    1. Hi Jess! Thank you for your encouraging words. Praying for you as you seek to work with consistency!

  27. I choose #2 to work without complaining -One of my key points for my life is being joyful. I choose joy over happiness (circumstances) Also I agree that we should do everything to the glory of God including things we do not want to do. It is better to be joyful which includes laughter than to complain. Thanks for this devotion and your give a way. Live life to its fullest with joy.

  28. All 3 are perfect! My focus is also to complain less -verbally as well as ‘stinking thinking’. (Been trying for quite a bit of time now with not enough success to say it is working yet)
    In reading your message today, I refer to these encounters as my ‘God Nod’. They are wonderful personal ‘looks’ from My Lord when he uses His Word and the many different devotionals, radio ministries I listen to, as well as my quiet time with Him – that all overlap with exact scripture references and such divine timing that it can only be Him!!
    It ALL hit the nail on the head for me – from the start to the finish. It’s a beautiful thing how your writings express the heart of our God as well as the humanity we each live in everyday and how we sometimes strive to arrive where He wants us – when truly He wants our Trusting & Resting in Him. Blessings to all

    1. Oh Maryellen, I love how you call it ‘stinking thinking’! Perfect! How blessed I am to be included in what God is teaching you and His divine timing in your life. Thank you for your encouragement, and you are so very right, “truly He wants our Trusting & Resting in Him.” YES!

  29. Yes, I am tired…very tired and have pneumonia….but I needed to hear this today……………thank you for the TRUTH which others do not always want to give in today’s world! God bless you and your family!

    1. Oh no, Pam! I am so sorry you’re sick and praying for healing and quick recovery. Thank you, in the midst of your illness, for taking time to encourage me. What precious words. Praying for you!

  30. Amen! and I m going to concentrate on #2 work without complaining Yes! Be thankful for every movement every breath and not grow weary in doing good! To God Be the Glory!!! Thank you for this devotion! God Bless!!

    1. Yes, Rhonda! I love this: “Be thankful for every movement every breath and not grow weary in doing good!” Thank you for sharing!

  31. Katy, loved this lesson! I need to focus on working with consistency. So often I start a good work or make plans for a worthwhile project but then let Life get in the way and interrupt. “Let us not grow weary of doing good”!

    1. Amen Jen! I, too, so often start with good intentions only to lack follow through. I’m praying for you as you seek God’s direction and work with consistency where He calls you!

  32. I want to work without complaining! “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 I work in a negative environment and it is not uncommon to be bombarded with constant “challenges” for me to overcome. It is hard to stay focused and be the “light of Jesus” in every situation. I pray that God will help me to listen more and pause before I speak!

    1. Beautiful words, Karen: “I pray that God will help me to listen more and pause before I speak!” Praying this with you today!

  33. I will focus on #1. Work with consistency. Strength to do anything requires regular repetition. To serve well we must serve often. (Proverbs 31:17) I often say the only thing consistent about me is inconsistency. It causes me great stress. I am going to pray about this constantly. To serve consistently by focusing and staying the course. I will overcome this obstacle of mine and be a better servant of our Lord through it. Please pray for me.

    1. Praying for you, Brenda, as you seek God’s strength to stay the course He sets before you! Thank you for sharing!

  34. #2. It’s so easy to “vent.” But we never know how our words can be taken by others, even the harmless ones. So glad I found your blog!

    1. Hi Pepper! It’s great to hear from you! Your words are so true, “we never know how our words can be taken by others”. Great insight!

  35. I will work on ‘working without complaining’ because I tend to do things with a bitterness or a selfishness and I need to work on my servant heart.

    1. Hi Michelle, it’s great to hear from you! Praying for you as you seek to work without complaining and honor God with your heart!

  36. ” Work without complaining “…BOOM! Probably my biggest fault right now! Like Karen comments above, a negative work environment bombards me with constant challenges as well. I need to not let the negativity suck me in. My consistency needs to be more prayer and focusing on His word, instead of my knee-jerk reactivity that creates more problems than it solves. Working hard doesn’t necessarily mean that I have to make things worse than they are, either. Old patterns are hard to change, but I MUST replace them with new ones if I am to truly honor God in my work.

    1. Beautiful words, Shauna – I love how you say, “My consistency needs to be more prayer and focusing on His word”. This is so true! Thank you for sharing!

  38. Work without complaining ! Gosh so easy to get caught in the complaining trap sometimes!

    1. Hi Andrea! Agree, agree! SO easy to get caught in the complaining trap. Praying for you friend!

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