TODAY’S SIGNATURE VERSE ••• He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
(Psalm 23:3 ESV)
PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• Yesterday, we talked about the importance of prioritizing our prayer life, and today, I want to expound on that a little bit more. We not only need this to grow stronger in our faith but to replenish ourselves.
And we all need a recharge. Physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Our personal Bible study and prayer time refills us spiritually. Psalm 23:3 says, “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (ESV). And this isn’t just about David’s opinion. God, Himself said, “For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish” (Jeremiah 31:25 ESV).
We are a culture that talks a great game about self-care, but from my perspective, very few of us are good at it. Balancing the myriad of responsibilities and activities takes a toll on us. And yet, we keep pushing through, despite the fact that we’re running on fumes.
I’m notorious for this. Both literally and figuratively. My husband keeps telling me that if I run out of gas, I’m on my own. But then, after grumbling, he takes my car and refills the tank. However, I frequently get lectured about fuel lines, fuel pumps, blah blah blah, and more words. I just smile and nod and say, “Yes, Dear.”
On the figurative side, I can also run on fumes if I’m not careful. Wayne always says that if I have five minutes to spare, I’ll fill it up with 30 minutes worth of something. A bit of an exaggeration, but I do like to stay busy. Honestly, as long as my to-do list keeps me in my home office, I’m good! I stay recharged, even if I am neck-deep in spreadsheets. But the Chamber of Commerce meeting I attend? It’s only two hours, one day a month, but Chamber Day is my most unproductive day of the month. Networking and a crowd deplete my energy down to nothing. I refuel on quiet time at home. And we usually have take out for dinner on Chamber days.
Spending time with God replenishes me like nothing else. When I feel overwhelmed, praise and worship music energizes me. When I feel discouraged, my prayer journal lets me get it out. The cool thing about it is that the more time we spend in praise, prayer, and worship—the more we want of it. It feeds and fuels our spirits.
It’s important to remember that we aren’t a body with a spirit. We are spirits with a body. Our bodies are temporary, but our spirits are forever—whether they spend eternity with God or without Him—there is never a time when we won’t have a spirit. Let’s nourish it with what it craves—time with God.
Today, as you pray, thank God for giving you His word to replenish your spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you to fill up every day so you won’t try to run on empty.
