Finding Strength When Life Feels Overwhelming - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - February 4, 2026
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:31, NIV).
Friday evening, I couldn't sleep. As I tossed and turned on my white fuzzy comforter, even the dog snoozed on the floor beside me. It was midnight, but my mind was still running a million miles a minute. Have you been there?
Rolling from side to side, I eventually landed on my back and stared up at the ceiling. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I prayed, "Lord, help. Calm these anxious thoughts. Make them stop."
In that moment, I didn't feel peace—quite the opposite. I felt drained, stressed, and incredibly overwhelmed. But deep in my spirit, I knew that God was with me. He saw me. He cared about my overactive brain, imagination, and worst-case scenarios. And He cares about you in every one of yours because God provides strength even in small, dark, and exhausting moments.
In Isaiah 40:31, we learn that those who hope in God will renew their strength. But for our strength to be renewed, that means that our muscles or minds must have grown weak. We only need to be renewed if we're tired, right? The Scriptures then continue that when we hope in God, not only is our strength renewed, but we will soar, run, and walk without exhaustion. For many of us, that seems impossible. We're so tired we can barely get out of bed in the morning. But this is God's promise to His children, regardless of how broken and fatigued we feel:
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:31, NIV).
The morning after tossing and turning half the night, I'd love to tell you that I immediately felt better. I didn't. I felt half sick from lack of sleep. But then I remembered this: Strength comes through God, not solely personal effort. I didn't have anything else left to give. It's okay if you don't either. God still sees you here and will provide strength when you need it most, even if it feels unlikely or impossible.
That night, I slept much better than the last. My problems weren't magically fixed, but through prayer, small daily breath prayers, and seeking community support, I could breathe a little easier. Rest a little easier. Surrender more. Extend weary arms, knowing He would strengthen them how He saw fit.
If you're feeling weary and overwhelmed today, I want to encourage you that you're in the perfect position to receive God's abundant rest. He loves you dearly and doesn't want you to feel ashamed for how you think. He wants you to bring those feelings to Him.
The next time you feel exhausted, write down 2 reassuring statements about God's timing, rest, and renewal. Isaiah 40:31 is a great place to start. Then, imagine the deep strength God gives His children that enables them to run and not grow weary, to walk and not grow faint, and to soar on wings like eagles. It's not just powerful imagery. It's the strength waiting for those who trust in the Lord.
Next, take time to pray to God. This could be on a walk, while working out, driving, cooking, or cleaning. Whatever works best for you. Tell Him how you feel and ask Him to open your eyes to how He will strengthen you. Surrender the things you're carrying by writing down a list, or mentally reciting each concern to Him. Sometimes, this step can feel overwhelming, but rest assured that God holds each burden in His hand and He cares for you.
Dear Jesus, we come to you weary, wounded, and exhausted. We can barely get out of bed or complete our tasks for the day without feeling overwhelmed. This life is heavy, and we are feeling weak and incapable. Today, please give us your strength. Provide us with your power. Show us your love and renew us. Help us to pause, breathe, and trust you today, even when we're too tired to stand. We trust that you will strengthen our bodies, minds, and souls. We love you, Lord. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Delmaine Donson
Related Resource: Discouragement Often Comes after Calling | Ezra 3
In this episode of The Bible Explained, Jen walks through Ezra chapter 3 and explores the Israelites’ return from exile as they begin rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. She highlights how the people, though fearful and greatly outnumbered, chose unity, obedience, and worship by first rebuilding the altar and restoring sacrifices to God. The episode focuses on the emotional moment when the temple foundation is laid—some rejoice with gratitude while others weep, remembering the former temple’s glory. Through passages in Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah, Jen emphasizes God’s encouragement not to “despise small beginnings,” reminding listeners that God often works through humble starts, difficult seasons, and imperfect circumstances. The episode closes with a practical encouragement: when God calls people to a purpose, opposition and discouragement will come, but faithful perseverance and trust in God’s presence are what carry the work forward. If this podcast helped you understand the Bible in a clearer way, be sure to follow The Bible Explained on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
