I'm Exhausted: What to Do When Your're Always Tired

CCEF Minibooks

by David A. Powlison

As a chronic fatigue sufferer, life as you once enjoyed it has ceased. Fatigue can be brought on by a myriad of physical, emotional, or spiritual issues. But, whatever the cause, your entire world is now affected by your diminished physical strength. David Powlison understands how debilitating and demoralizing a constant state of fatigue can be through his own five-year struggle after heart surgery. In CCEFs Im What to Do When You're Always Tired, Powlison encourages sufferers that, unlike the world, God embraces the weak and provides strong, enduring resources through Christ for moment-by-moment strength. Readers will learn to adjust their thoughts and expectations and lean into the steady arms of Christ. All the minibooks in our Christian bookstore offer gospel-centered hope for everyday issues like parenting, marriage, and personal change. These easy-to-read discipleship and biblical counseling resources tackle lifes toughest issues in 30 minutes or less.Minibooks are frequently used by pastors and ministry leaders to help others apply biblical wisdom to specific life issues. Churches, biblical counseling ministries, and missional organizations make the minibooks available in their acrylic display cases to further discipleship and gospel-centered living.

Genres: Faith, Christianity, Counselling

24 pages, Paperback

First published July 2, 1905

About the author

David Powlison, MDiv, PhD, (1949–2019) was a teacher, counselor, and the executive director of the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He wrote many books and minibooks, including Speaking Truth in Love, Seeing with New Eyes, Good and Angry, Making All Things New, God's Grace in Your Suffering, Safe and Sound, and Take Heart. David was also the editor of The Journal of Biblical Counseling.

Reviews

[Allison Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these mini books. They pack in powerful truths, and don’t take long to get through. I appreciate Powlinson’s practical counsel from his own battle with fatigue. It’s also convicting that sometimes it is important to slow down and accept your limitations. I wish I would have heard his advice in responding to the medical advice of loved ones years ago (especially regarding chronic pain). Sometimes, these booklets are more impactful than a full length book; they get right to the point and articulate it well.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best CCEF pamphlets yet. Read them all.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved I’m Exhausted by David Powlison. I first heard about this author through a previous mentor who is also a counsellor, and although the book is short, it has so much depth. This is the second book by Powlison that I’ve read, and once again I found it meaningful, practical, and deeply biblical.

What I appreciated most is that the book does not make exhausted people feel more guilty or burdened. Instead, it gently points readers to God’s grace and offers wise counsel for everyday life. One quote I especially loved was: “God is more interested in who you are in Christ than what you do for Him.”

The reminder that we are called to live for God rather than productivity was deeply encouraging. Even if you already know these truths, this short book is well worth rereading whenever you need those reminders again.

[Charlotte Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again - crying in the club rn. This small book provides biblical insight on navigating fatigue (whether it’s in the form of chronic illness or traumatic situations).

Society values strength and health. This book provides a counter cultural insight and reminds them that God doesn’t just embrace the strong - He embraces the weak, and is the source of moment-by-moment strength.

I found that a lot of the information in this book I had as “head knowledge” but needed some practical guidance on application. Reading it helped me adjust my expectations for myself and lean more on Christ.

[Megan Triplett · Rating 5 out of 5]

So helpful for anyone who struggles with chronic fatigue (or any other severely or relatively debilitating ailment). Short and yet so full of biblical truth and help! I’m thankful for the CCEF booklets.

[S Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good news for overworks and over stressed people.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

These mini books are great for counselors to hand out.

[Kristopher Schaal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great counsel, warm personal testimony, 5/5 stars

[Seth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful.