Connect with Jesus for strength, peace

Do you ever find yourself worn out and tired? I’m not talking about a heavy work schedule, but maybe that needs an adjustment, too. I’m talking about being worn out in life. You’re going through life, but it really feels like life is simply going by you. You find yourself simply dissatisfied … the life that culture wants you to live is just flat out not paying off for you. You are lacking true meaning and purpose and it is wearing you down. You know in your heart that you are not nearly as close to Jesus as he wants you to be, as you want you to be.

Isaiah 16:12 says, “When Moab appears at her high place, she only wears herself out; when she goes to her shrine to pray, it is to no avail.” (NIV).

I have found that when I am worn out, it is easy to substitute true nutrition for junk food. Rather than pressing in to Jesus, I seek escape/relief through other means … maybe a vice, maybe binge watching a show, etc., only to find myself still tired, still wandering, still searching for energy, direction, and courage.

This little verse hits on something that we all need to take to heart, myself included. When Moab went to her “high place,” not only was it a climb to get there, but to the extent that she was worn out when she got there. And not only did she go through the rituals that she thought would help, they were to no avail. So much could be said along these lines, but suffice to say, if you are in a place of brokenness, you are worn out, you need relief, instead of devoting yourself to a “high place,” find the nourishment that your soul craves by going to the One that has the true nourishment to give — engage in meaningful, personal connection with Jesus, where strength and courage and grace and direction and peace and hope are found.

Pastor Jeff Kuhn can be reached at Mountain Springs Church in Sandpoint, mscsandpoint.org or 208-255-5903