RUNNING ON EMPTY

What do we do when our spiritual and emotional tanks are empty?

Most of us don’t wait till the warning light flickers before filling up our car petrol tank. We don’t fancy being stranded in an isolated place so we tend to proactively fill up our tanks way ahead.

But how about filling our emotional and spiritual tanks? What priority do we give it in our lives?

No one can see our inner state. But the strength of our inner man is revealed during adverse circumstances.

Our character is like a tea bag. Its strength is revealed when we are put in hot water. If we faint in the day of adversity, our strength is small (Proverbs 24:10).

Some people primarily find their solace and strength through a personal relationship with God whereas others tend to be more dependent on others for their emotional well-being. The latter fill up their emotional tanks by depending on someone else – be it their spouse, lover, relative, friend or counsellor.

Couples mustn’t be so lovey dovey that their own individual devotional time with God suffers. If we cling on to another person, like a vine, for emotional strength and stability, it means we are weak. We have not been able to develop our own relationship with God to a level that can sustain us through bad times.

While periods of intimacy and romance between couples are important, we should not neglect building our own vertical relationship with God. People, no matter how close they are to us, are imperfect and fallible. They may fail us when the crunch comes.

How do we find strength in God?

By spending time with God in prayer, meditation on the Word and worship.

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35).

“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).

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you,

    whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.

    As they pass through the Valley of Baka,

    they make it a place of springs;

    the autumn rains also cover it with pools” (Psalm 84:5).