Ways To Keep Yourself From Running On Empty

Title: Ways To Keep Yourself From Running On Empty
Artwork by: YMI X @abbigailsparty
Description: The low-battery sign on our phones is enough to send us scrambling for its charger. “Can’t have our phones dying on us,” we think. 

But how often do we give our internal batteries a check-up? Do we “plug” ourselves into things that recharge and refuel us when we’re dipping into empty? Or we do stuff our tiredness away and soldier on?

Before we run ourselves to the ground, it’s time to pull away from the tide of life’s busyness and recharge in God’s presence, letting the Holy Spirit refuel and refresh us.

Unsure when or how to pull away before things get overwhelming? We have listed a few points that might help!

The constant pinging of our phones, notifying us of everything from new status updates to a long list of new work emails flowing through. With so many things clamouring for attention, where do we even start?

Soon, we find ourselves getting a little annoyed at each new ping, wishing we’re able to offload our responsibilities to someone else.

Perhaps it’s time to turn off the notifications on our phones, and instead, turn our focus to God, reminding ourselves that our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1).

That presentation to finish on top of our current work, home issues to work through and resolve, or a sick parent to care for.

“I’m this close to losing it,” we sigh wearily like a deflated balloon.

But before we deflate completely, it’s time to practise a few deep breathing exercises, alongside a worship song in the background, or meditate on scriptures to remind ourselves that God is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1) and that His grace is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Just one more email or text to reply, one more load of washing to do, there’s always just one more thing to do…

Before we know it, we’re on the bathroom floor howling in misery because we’re bone-tired, and there seems to be no end to our tasks, even though we’ve chipped away diligently at it. 

It is okay to admit that we are tired and that we need to rest because rest comes from God. (Psalm 23:1-3) So turn that phone or computer off, leave the washing for just one more day, and rest.

Learning to surrender may not be an easy thing to do in our modern culture, because it gives off the suggestion of us being a little, well, weak-willed. After all, we are captains of our destiny!

So, we run ourselves ragged trying to do things in our own strength and will, and we get frustrated when plans don’t pan out the way we’ve hoped for.

Instead of doing everything in our flesh, what about putting them at God’s feet, surrendering our plans and desires to Him? After all, His thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), and we can trust Him to establish our steps (Proverbs 16:3-9), and make everything beautiful in His time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). 

We find ourselves volunteering to a hundred different things in church, and we have also said “yes” to various after-work activities because we’re too embarrassed to say no……

And now we can’t quite remember what’s happening when, and our energy level is fast plummeting to zero.

Turning things down may initially feel weird, especially if we’re a people-pleaser, but we can’t be everyone’s hero. 

Instead, let’s ask God for wisdom (James 1:5) to know where He’d like us to focus our talents, time and energy in. This also ensures the area we are helping or serving in will have the benefit of our undivided attention.