“I am at rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.”
Psalm 62:1 HCSB
One day after work, I was riding home with my friend. Fortunately, we made it through the tight tunnel under the railroad tracks, just as her car struggled to move forward. She pulled off the road and into the grass. We walked the rest of the way home.
Her car had run out of gas!
How often do we push to keep going even when we’re running on empty? Many times we believe if we try harder, move faster, or stay up later, we’ll accomplish all that we have planned. We choose to skip self-care, spending time with the Lord and loved ones, or resting and refreshing.
This may happen because of a specific event such as a health issue, project, or life change. We may also be trying something new or need to make a particular work or personal deadline.
Though this fast race may work short-term, we’re not able to keep moving at that pace.
The Lord calls us to “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) It’s best to take occasional short rest breaks as we go along. But when we let ourselves run all the way down to empty, we’ll require a longer break to recover and refuel.
My dad has always reminded me not to let my car go below a quarter tank of gas. That’s also a good rule for life. Having some gas in reserve allows us to step it up when an emergency or other unplanned event happens. When we don’t give ourselves margin, we’re not able to move forward. We can’t give to others what we don’t have to give.
So let’s remember to keep some gas in our car tank and our life tank as well!
PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for Your guidance in our lives. We long to do the work You have called us to. But sometimes, we run ourselves on empty. Lord, You have designed us to need breaks in order to rest and refuel. You ask us to spend quiet time with You. Please help us to know when to move and when to rest so we can best serve You. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Journal: In what situations have you been running on empty? Create a list of some simple ways you can rest and refuel this week.
Porch Chair Prayers 