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“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” Psalm 23:2-3a (ESV)

Glancing out my window at work, I watched as some wet substance leaked from under my car.  Yes, it was pouring out – freon – don’t drive it now resounded in my brain.  My sister picked me up and I switched to our old SportsTrax truck.  Boy, did I miss my smooth ride.  The bumps and jolts were too much for this comfy girl.  But it runs and it drives and that’s all I needed with my husband out of town.  When he got back later in the week, I had to give him the rundown on my car and my “now” ride to work.

“There’s only two things I like about this truck,” I quickly shared.  “The air conditioning works great, and it gets incredible gas mileage – that little hand hasn’t barely moved from Full all week.”

“Have you put any gas in it?” he sweetly asked.

“No – it’s been on Full all week.”

As our conversation progressed, my husband informed me the gas gauge wasn’t working (info that would have been good to know – just saying).  He checked the tank and found it definitely lacking.  A trip to the gas station and we’re back on the road.

Wouldn’t it ever be so great if when we found ourselves running on empty, we could refuel quickly. Simply pull up, refill and immediately drive off into the sunset – smile in tact.

Sounds good but unfortunately, like me and my truck, we just keep driving and don’t even realize how close we are to empty.  We keep pushing through, adding to our list, skimping out on sleep, missing a meal, canceling plans with friends…..and before we know it, we crash.  Harsh responses, snappy decisions, impatience soaring….I think you get the picture. All while we are championing our efforts on false full – empty never looks pretty.

No one can go very far on empty.  No one is pleasant to be around if empty describes them. God never intended for us to leave no margin in our lives for rest, refueling and refilling.  When we operate full speed ahead, the first thing to go is usually time with God – we can simply do it later. Prayer becomes a rushed breath rather than an ongoing dialogue. When later never happens, we begin to operate in deficit mode.  When we are continuously pouring out of self and no one is pouring in it becomes evident to others even if we don’t see it.

Best solution…. Carve in margin for quiet soul reflection.  Review the ever growing list and seek God’s perspective on what needs to stay and what needs to go.  Invest in relationships which encourage and foster growth. Prioritize time in God’s word and time on our knees.  Allow others to serve us without feeling guilty.  The perfect prescription guaranteed to fill us to overflowing – exactly what God designed.

“Father, You restore my soul from the craziness of this life.  Thank You for leading me to the refreshing waters  and stillness which refuels me.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life