Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
So far this summer, I've spent a little more time than usual visiting with people in hospitals and doctor's visits. I've also got a son in the house who is the picture of glowing health, and works out almost every day. So I've been thinking about what a difference it makes when we do, and don't, have energy.
Today, two respected friends told me, "I just need to get my strength up."
Life has a way of sapping our energy. Sometimes our tasks don't go as we planned, which puts us behind and tires us out. Sometimes something breaks--a buggy computer or a car in the shop just makes everything harder. Even an unexpected spill or mess can steal the energy we were going to spend on something we really value.
Small disturbances often have a ripple effect. I've spent whole weeks where I feel like everything I do, I'm "a day late and a dollar short."
And I've been healthy most of my life. For a few days this week I had an injured foot, and I was struck by how much energy it could take just to go up and down stairs. My short-lived injuries remind me how hard it is for those who have to live like this all the time, spending their hard-earned injury just to take care of the basics like food or showers.
I don't know about you, but when I'm out of energy, I find it harder to be helpful to others. I sometimes get impatient, and I rarely feel like chipping in to serve others. I find it hard to care whether I can make someone else's day easier. I want to crawl into a shell and forget about love.
Scripture tells us that trusting God can refresh our energy.
Scripture tells us that trusting God can refresh our energy.
Maybe the Holy Spirit gives us a little extra oomph (Ephesians 3:16). Maybe it's just that we conserve energy when we cast our cares on God instead of worrying about them ourselves (1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6).
Sometimes, when I start to feel worn out, I hum a little song my Mom taught me about God giving us "strength for today." If you are feeling weary and burdened, ask God for help. Maybe Jesus will strengthen your hands for the work He has for you; maybe Jesus will just invite you to rest. (When Elijah was feeling discouraged in 1 Kings 19, God gave him a nap and a snack!)
The life of following Jesus isn't always easy, but those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
--Jonathan
REMINDERS:
Join us every Sunday at 10 a.m. to encourage one another in worship.
Next Saturday (July 15) is our Bean Bag and Barbecue fellowship, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Come join us for some relaxing outdoor fun.
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