Tired Sheep

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John 10:10–11 (KJV)The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

What it is speaking to me:

The devil isn't stupid. There are certainly times he takes the frontal and direct approach. But he can accomplish the same end using different and more subtle means. Fatigue is one of his favorite tools. A worn-down sheep doesn't need to be stolen...it falls behind, ready to be picked off.

The thief's whole business model is subtraction: steal, kill, destroy. The good shepherd is all addition. He says "I came so you could have life, and have it more abundantly." Like, more of it than you even know what to do with. That's a promise from the one who also said He lays down His life for the sheep.

The Good Shepherd doesn't hand you a to-do list and wish you luck. Jesus came to give you abundant life, not a barely-surviving life. If you're running on empty right now, that's worth considering. The Shepherd is not the source of your depletion.

So how do we combat fatigue? Do what a good sheep does. Stay near the Shepherd. As Psalm 23 describes, that's where the green pastures are. That's where He restores the soul.

What is it saying to you?

Where have you been letting the thief chip away at you quietly? Not in some dramatic, obvious way, but in the slow drain of exhaustion, distraction, and spiritual numbness?

What are we going to do about it?

Today, be intentional about finding one healthy, biblical source of renewal and actually go do it. A prayer walk, time in worship music, a quiet morning reading before the day gets loud.