Upon Awaking

My limbs leaden this morning

my head pounding

my thinking dull from interrupted sleep.

Jesus did you ever feel this way?

You were fully human

You too experienced interrupted sleep.

In my kitchen

coffee helps but can’t dispel the sluggishness.

Multiplied needs of others

assail me;

my calendar’s commitments…must be kept

but seem too much…

how will I press through?

I am sufficient You said.

My power is perfected in weakness.*

I believe this is true,

but will You be enough for me today?

A bolt of supernatural energy

lifting my lethargy

would sure be nice, Lord.

But that kind of power from on high

has never been given to me.

Interrupted sleep has been mine,

repeatedly

over and over and over

for decades of seasons.

Newborn needs and toddler demands,

middle schooler and teen dramas

college kids’ wanderings and dangers

empty nest fears and aging aches.

Interruptions never cease

day or night.

Walk by faith and not by sight,*

I remember.

For the eyes of the Lord see the heart*

He looks for those who are fully His.*

Lord what do You see in my heart?

I see discouragement that I cannot rise above

I see limited accomplishment ahead,

And the need for a nap.

I wish I were unaffected by my body’s rhythms

I wish for vitality

I wish for power to rise above

I wish I weren’t so human.

I am wishing for heaven.

I condemn myself when I become impatient,

disbelieving, angry.

but You don’t;

for there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus*

You love me Just As I Am

In all my weaknesses and frailties.

O Lover of my soul,

You know my frame;

You remember that I am dust.

As a father shows compassion to his children,

so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him,*

who come to Him and say,

“Help me, Lord.”

Interruptions, infirmities, inadequacies

are mercies in disguise,

treasures of grace wait to be discovered in the darkness,

in the fog of my fatigue,

if I will but ask.

Here I am, Lord,

Help me.

I will trust You, believe You are with me,

believe You are enough

for my needs

Amen.

*2 Corinthians 5:7, I Samuel 16:7, Romans 8:1, Psalm 103:13,

Imagining Jesus living with morning fatigue, interrupted sleep, and the continual press of people needing, wanting His attention helps me know I am not alone. Jesus loved the women around Him. He had compassion on their struggles. He has compassion on mine.

And He prays for me before the Father. My devoted Friend and Brother knows my frailties and loves me still. Knowing this is true brings comfort to my soul.

Does such knowledge do the same for you?

May you run to Him in your need. He will never turn you away.