The pressures of everyday life can crush us at times can’t they?  And they can leave us feeling despondent if we’re not careful.

From a story we looked at last time, we see even Jesus became worn out. So he slipped away often to be alone with God and his own thoughts.*

See I think as a man he struggled with the same things we struggle with.  So the results in his life encourage me.

First, he gained direction from God.

When we’re tune in we can discover the next steps to solving the confusing puzzles we face.

He found rest.

When we’re absolutely bone tired exhausted we can find the rest we need.  Sometimes just being able to slow down and decompress is huge.

He felt God’s presence continually.

Frankly, sensing God’s presence in the midst of the crush is one of the greatest blessings we can receive.

He was restored in strength.

Even when we’re spent we can come back with strength.  We may feel whipped today but that’s not the end of the story.  Strength and power can return for a new day.

He saw God’s power work in miraculous ways.

He offers us that same power.  So should we expect to see anything less?

And he found peace.  Perhaps he grew despondent at times as well.

But peace sneaks back in.  The strength and confidence to go back out and continue on returns.

Have you found the same?

*Matthew 14: 22-23

Do you have times that after a tough day you just feel spent?  I think it’s a pretty common experience we all struggle with.

But how do we recharge to keep living this pressurized life in strength?

We catch a glimpse of the answer from a story about Jesus.

He was ministering, teaching and healing and he was spent.

So he told the disciples to go on ahead to the other side of the Sea of Galilee and he would catch up with them.  Then he dismissed the people to go to their homes.  And he went up into the hills to be alone and pray.*

The story doesn’t tell us what he did other than spend time in prayer.  But to only pray he didn’t need to hike that far away.  So I think we can assume a few things that may help us when we’re feeling crushed.

Sure spend some time praying.  But more importantly spend some time listening.  Tell God what you need.  Ask him questions.  Then just listen to your heart and mind.

You’ll be amazed at the answers you receive.

Second, stop trying to be superman.  Realize you’re human and you need times to reenergize.  So plan them.

Third, I think he ate and slept also because it was evening and the story next picks up in early morning.  It’s amazing what a good meal and sleep will do for restoring us.

Time to get restored?

*Matthew 14: 22-23