Tell Yourself a Better Story

I believe one of the leading causes of exhaustion and procrastination is the story we tell ourselves. I marvel at how many times I’ve caught myself talking myself right into a funk. Maybe I didn’t sleep well the night before. Even so, I got enough sleep to function. I started the day rehearsing, “I’m exhausted” and carried it throughout the day. I’m sure you can imagine what kind of day I had.

One day I realized what I was doing and changed the story. I took inventory of the energy and grace I did possess and went after my day with gusto. It turned out to be a great day, and surprisingly, when I quit saying I was exhausted, I realized I actually felt pretty good.

What had I been telling myself up to this point? I’m exhausted. This is too much. I hate these symptoms. Will they ever end? My inbox is impossible. I’m stuck. I’ll never get ahead of this task list. Will I ever have energy again?

My goodness, it’s embarrassing to admit such defeatist thinking. But that’s where I was when exhaustion overtook me.

Then I decided to pull God’s promises closer than my problems, and my confessions started to sound like, I am strong and mighty in the Lord! I am energized to do all He’s given me to do! I get to do the work of the Lord, and I will do it with all my heart. I’ll do my best and trust Him with the rest. It’s the Lord who fulfills His purposes for me.

I don’t have words to describe the difference it made when I lined up my script with God’s story for me.

How about you? Are you tired and weary? First, run to Jesus.

Trust Jesus for the energy and the rest you need. And ask Him to show you a better way to tell your story, a better way to speak about your life when the waves crash against you. Pull His promises closer than your problems. In due time, you’ll be walking on the water with Him.

Precious Father, You are writing a beautiful story with my life. Help me hear the song You’re singing over me even now. I will declare Your goodness over my life today! Amen.