A Prayer to Turn to Jesus When You’re Too Tired
By Keri Eichberger
Bible Reading:
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:10)
Jesus help me. I uttered these words out loud in desperation. The pain was so intense at times that I could hardly breathe. Though ironically, I vividly recall confidently claiming, as my surgery date was approaching, “as long as God is with me, and he will be, I will make it through.” The thing is, I didn’t envision making it through barely by a thread. I imagined a little less pain and a little more ease with God as my strong and solid rock. But my reality was, I had no fight at all. My body—now built by a back of two chrome rods the length of my spine and 26 titanium screws that would likely outlast my bones—was broken and felt beyond battered. My strength was non-existent, my pain was unbearable, and my fatigue was off the charts. Too tired to whisper a heartfelt prayer, too tired to praise the Lord in the storm, and almost too tired to even turn to Jesus at all.
Have you ever felt so exhausted by your circumstances that you could hardly even consider leaning on the Lord? Maybe due to a season of emotional overwhelm, simultaneous high-stress situations, or, like me, a physical burden that robbed the breath and life right out of you. Something that ended up lasting longer and becoming harder than you could handle. And you were absolutely spent. Does that sound familiar?
You know, I mentioned I had envisioned not falling so far into the pit. But when I was down there and knew it, I felt doubly disappointed for not being stronger or for not showing much dependence on God at all. I even subconsciously wondered if he was intentionally leaving me there because I couldn't pull myself and faith together in my low moments. But this just wasn’t true. And if you’ve ever felt like your faith didn’t look so faithful in your hard times, or questioned if you were deserving of God’s help, care, and rescue, I want us both to hear something. Something I clung to as the weariness lingered for weeks, turned months, of my recovery. God was there not because my faith looked perfect, but because he loves me. Because I love him. Because I turned my weak voice and my helpless heart to him when I could. And even if I had been too tired to look his way at all (which has happened on some extreme occasions), I had spent countless hours and years practicing doing just that. Seeking him, knowing him, placing my trust in him. I had already chosen Jesus as my Savior, and so he would always be there. And the same is true for you.
Psalm 9:10 says, Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Reminding us that those who have made a point to know the Lord, those who have placed their trust in his trustworthy name, those who have made it their mission to seek him—they will never be left alone. God will always be by our side. Even when we are weak and weary and too tired to turn his way.
It will absolutely benefit us to seek and see Jesus our Savior in every valley, because the more we notice and acknowledge him, the more hope will swell in our souls. So let’s continue to turn to him. But if a season or situation strikes when your body and spirit are too broken and too crushed to even look to the Lord, know that not even then will he forsake you. He will still be there with his constant care, his continual protection, and his unending, unconditional love. You can rest in your weariness and imperfection, knowing that your faith doesn’t always have to look and feel perfect—or even slightly pleasing for that matter. Child of God, you are sealed with the promise of his presence, his salvation, his grace, and God’s good and abounding blessings. Always.
Let’s Pray
Ever-present God, I praise you that you never leave my side. Even when I struggle to sense your presence in my deepest pain and suffering, you are there. Even when I question my performance, when my faith feels far from perfect, or when I wonder if I’m deserving of your love and care, you are there. Because I am yours and you are mine, you will never forsake me. I have chosen to seek you, to know you, and to place my trust in you. So no matter what circumstances surround me, I know you will follow me, love me, and forever bless me. Thank you for the great gift of your constant care and unconditional love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you liked what you read, I think you will love my latest book, Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes. You can find it on Amazon or your favorite online retail site. I hope it blesses you!
Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional spoke to you on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: © Unsplash/Jude Beck
Related Resource: Praying Through Life’s Battles
What battle are you carrying today?
Maybe it is an unanswered prayer, a painful loss, a strained relationship, a health concern, or a circumstance that feels far beyond your control. When life feels overwhelming, we can become so consumed by our emotions—or so busy trying to fix everything ourselves—that prayer is often one of the first things we neglect.
This week on The Love Offering Podcast, my friend Rachel Wojo joins me to talk about her new 90-day devotional, Praying Through Life’s Battles. Drawing from her experience of loving and losing her daughter, Taylor, Rachel shares how prayer has sustained her through unimaginable grief and reminded her that she never faces life’s battles alone.
If you like what you hear, be sure to follow The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
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