Years ago before the self-service gas stations came along we would pull into the service station and say, "fill it up." My tank is running on empty and I need some "go power." We have sometimes used this expression when referring to our physical strength or energy. We might say something like, "My tank is empty," meaning that my energy or strength is low and I need to eat or drink something to get my energy back. My tank needs to be filled back up!
Likewise, there are times whenever we feel a little drained "spiritually." My spiritual strength or energy is at a "low" and my tank needs to be filled back up. I need to be revived and get some energy back. The question is, "How do I accomplish this?" When I feel a little drained spiritually, how do I get that energy back, what can I do? Consider the following suggestions:
1. Read the Scriptures. In the physical realm, we need food and drink to keep our energy level up. We may not feel like eating, we may be too tired to eat, but we realize that we MUST eat for our own well-being. Likewise in the spiritual realm, when our energy is at a "low," we need spiritual food. We may not feel like eating but we realize it is for our spiritual well-being so we eat. Then as we eat of that spiritual food, we are revived, strengthened and energized (see Matthew 4:4).
2. Pray to God... Then Pray Again... Then Pray Again. Just keep repeating this cycle and your energy will begin to return. We will be revived through prayer! As we talk with God on a regular consistent basis, our spiritual energy will increase more and more (see James 5:16). Many times throughout the day, just drop everything and say a prayer. Also, set up specific times each day to pray to God. Have a regular habit of prayer!
3. Attend a Wednesday Night Service. Many of us have experienced the situation wherein we have a full day of activity (work, housework, study, school, etc.) on a Wednesday and as the day nears its end, it is time for us to get ready to attend the Wednesday night service of the local church. We are a little tired and exhausted and don't really feel like going anywhere but we know what God wants us to do so we go. Then, once we get there and study the Word with our brethren and worship God in songs and prayers, we feel greatly revived. We realize it has been good for us to be together with our brethren worshiping our God. Our spiritual energy has greatly increased. If this works for a Wednesday night service, would it not also work for any other service such as each of the Sunday services, Gospel Meeting nights, etc.? (see Hebrews 10:24-25)
4. Spend Time With A Brother Or Sister In Christ. Praise be to God that we have one another! It is so encouraging to be around my brethren. To be with brethren at each of the services of the local church, or at a Bible study or singing at a member's house, or at a social gathering, etc. Whenever I am feeling a little low on "spiritual energy," it always helps me to have time with my brethren. How could I ever replace this great "source of strength" that is available to me? I can't! We see God's wisdom in the relationship that He established for you and I as brothers and sisters in Christ. I know we sometimes disappoint one another but I am persuaded that the "positive" encouraging times far outweigh any of the "negative" times. When my spiritual energy needs to be increased, I turn to my brethren and I am thankful to my God for you (see Ephesians 4:16).
5. Do Something For Someone. Jesus stated a principle that all of us have experienced and we realize full well the truth of it, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 10:35). We feel very good whenever we have the ability and the opportunity to be of help to someone. We expect nothing in return. We are thankful that such an opportunity was provided to us. It is indeed more blessed to give than to receive. Therefore, if you are feeling a little low spiritually, do something for someone. Send them a card; cook them a hot meal; take them out to eat; fix their favorite dessert; mow their yard; bring them flowers; give them a Walmart gift card (Cracker Barrel works also). You see, the possibilities are endless (see Matthew 15:31-46).
6. Don't Keep Adding To Your Plate. Life can be described in a nutshell by one word - "BUSY!" At times we are drained of nearly all of our spiritual energy because our plate is full and we keep piling more on. We are so busy with "things" that it has zapped us of energy in the spiritual area. We need to learn to quit piling more on, to prioritize what we do have, and to first give attention to those things that pertain to our soul before we do other less important things. If we can learn to quit piling more things on top of what already needs to get done and also learn to put the spiritual things at the top of our "to do" list, this will naturally result in having more energy to accomplish these things. We will always feel spiritually drained for as long as we keep "piling it on" and keep spinning our wheels with so many less important activities. Let us begin today by asking, "What do I need to get done for God today?", then accomplish this and go on from there. Use your time wisely, walk in wisdom. Such is one secret of having spiritual energy (see Ephesians 5:15-17).
- Biblical Insights, May 2013