Overcoming Fatigue

The Bible says, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Science and Health tells us, “The meaning of that passage is not perverted by applying it literally to moments of fatigue,” and it further says, “When we wake to the truth of being, all disease, pain, weakness, weariness, sorrow, sin, death, will be unknown.” We have learned that it is possible for a human being to prevent or remove fatigue by an intelligent and scientific understanding of what is meant by waiting upon the Lord.

All fatigue, whether mental or physical, is based on a misconception of the true nature of man and of his real activity. The misconceptions which lead to fatigue are commonly thought and talked about. Some people are so constantly tired, that it continually hinders their work, and causes great suffering. Fatigue originates in the belief that man is a person working separately from God, that he is a material being, with a limited store of energy which will allow only a limited amount of activity without being replenished, and his life will end in a gradual weakening of his powers, and finally in death. The usual remedy prescribed for fatigue is rest, as it is assumed that mind and body will recuperate if the tiring activity ceases. Yet many sufferers from chronic fatigue have found that rest, even for long periods, doesn’t restore the power to work easily and happily. This is particularly the case with fatigue that arises from intellectual or other mental labors.

The scientific remedy for fatigue is to remove from thought the many misconceptions which constitute this evil. One of the most important, is the belief that man is separated from God. In reality, man is the perfect manifestation of the joyful and unwearied activity of divine Mind. God, Himself, is responsible for all his work and activity.

Among the thoughts which seem to cause fatigue and perpetuate it, are hurry, indecision, anger, hate, worry, and the exercise of mere human will, which arises from a mistaken sense of duty or sacrifice. As we guard against these errors of thought, fatigue can be eliminated and our work transformed from arduous labor into joyful, unwearied activity. Hurry arises from the fear that the work won’t be done on time; but God’s work is already done, and the full realization that God is maintaining and governing His creation perfectly, brings the foresight necessary to take all the necessary steps, at the right time, so that hurry and mistakes are eliminated.

Since God’s work is always done perfectly, there’s no need to fear or doubt our ability to accomplish any worthwhile task. Perfect, unlabored, successful work will appear naturally, without fatigue, when we understand the unity of God and man. Christian Science doesn’t tolerate, or excuse, slackness, postponement of necessary decisions, or inaction, for God’s work is perfect, and the belief in imperfection or laziness is no part of man, and must be overcome.

It was once said to a Christian Scientist, “Your vitality is immense.” The vitality which was seen was not personal; it was the result of laying aside heavy, human beliefs, and clearly recognizing man’s real being, as the expression of God’s activity.

God supplies all the energy, ability, intelligence, and endurance needed for complete success. This success is not personal or selfish, but blesses all. Love is never weary, never inactive, always effective. As we fully realize this fact, it destroys fatigue, and even the liability to feel fatigue.