I was looking for something encouraging for us this morning and found this one from yesterday. Here is a portion of the devotional which is so appropriate for so many of us in the lives we have before us with the daily burdens we have. Life is hard, life is busy and we are all exhausted, or can become exhausted, mentally, physically, emotionally & spiritually.

From: Girlfriends in God - May 17, 2013

I’m Exhausted!
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Friend to Friend

I had just arrived at my favorite coffee shop. As I opened the door, the smell of freshly brewed java greeted me and filled my creative mind with possibilities. I was eager to get to work and excited that my warm, happy coffee-friend would come along with me for the ride. As I grabbed a cup from the counter and paid, I asked the barista how she was doing.

“I’m exhausted!” She lamented with a sigh.

I knew exactly how she felt. I feel that way a lot! I’m famous for trying to put ten pounds of living into a five-pound sack. She was tired. Stressed. Drained. Over-committed. Under-rested. Exhausted. Yep. I totally know that feeling.

Have you been there? Ha! Of course you have! She was tired. Stressed. Drained. Over-committed. Under-rested. Exhausted. Yep. I totally know that feeling.

The simple truth is, our exhaustion problems can’t be solved without God. I find it comforting to realize that we aren’t the first people to struggle with feelings like this. All throughout Scripture people got worn-out and lamented about their tired souls. David wrote countless Psalms about being weary, and Elijah was so exhausted at one point that he sank into a deep depression and lost his God-courage. Jesus spoke to a crowd of people in Galilee one day about the only sure-fire solution to our exhaustion problem.

Jesus said, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message - MSG)

When you keep company with Jesus you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. Does that sound appealing to you? If so, then it’s time to respond to His invitation. Whether you have thirty seconds or thirty minutes, pause now to turn to Him. Grab your prayer journal if you have one. Center your heart on His splendor and approach Him with reverence. While you are in His presence, empty your exhaustion out before Him. Tell Him the concerns on your heart and take a soul rest.

That day in the coffee shop, as I filled my cup I gave my exhausted, coffee-serving friend a smile and a knowing look. Then I spoke a word of hope to her heart and encouraged her to refuel in the secret place, the presence of God. She smiled back and thanked me for the reminder. She loves the Lord, but – like all of us – she sometimes forgets that soul rest is available.

Keep company with Him today. All day. When you do, you’ll experience His strength for each moment and His hope in each challenge. Live freely and lightly in Jesus, girlfriend.