Ever get depleted? Ever reach the bottom of the barrel when it comes to spiritual energy or passion?
Don’t overreact! It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing all the wrong things with your life.
You’re faith is probably still alive and well. There’s no need to go AWOL. Don’t start doubting every good decision or direction in your life.
You probably just need to restore—to let God revive your spirit. God’s Word is filled with ways to find new strength and to renew your spirit. Here is a quick glimpse at ten of them:
1. Walk with God—nothing will restore your soul like time with God. Find a place where you can have quiet and calm. No distractions, no time-limits, no pre-planned structure, no agenda—just be with Him. Get outdoors and literally walk—with God. This will change your perspective on nearly everything! (Gen. 6:9)
2. Cast Your Cares Upon Him—while you’re with God, you might as well put everything you’re carrying in His hands, including yourself! He already knows about it all. You’re not hiding anything from Him. Nothing you’re feeling or thinking will surprise Him, and He invites you to cast it all upon Him any way—so go for it! (1 Peter 5:7)
3. Meditate on Biblical Principles—choose a passage, a promise, or a verse and just rest upon it. Chew on it slowly and let it sink deep. Find a place to jot down some reflections. What you meditate upon has much to do with your attitudes and actions. (Ps. 1:2)
4. Listen to Godly Music—whether with an iPod, a CD player, or just your voice—set aside time to really listen to Christ-honoring music. Think about the message and let God’s Holy Spirit restore and encourage you. Music is one of God’s great gifts to help us walk in the Spirit. (Ps. 118:14)
5. Read an Encouraging Book—pick up something biblical and enjoyable—a biography of a great Christian or an inspirational book. Make sure it connects to some practical aspect of your life. (Prov. 25:11)
6. Serve Someone Else—could be your spouse, your kids, your neighbor, a church member, or a local restaurant owner. There’s something really refreshing about choosing to perform a random act of kindness “just because.” If you’re wondering who the Holy Spirit would have you serve, just ask Him. I promise He will bring a name to your mind almost immediately. (1 Cor. 9:19)
7. Share the Gospel with Someone—No matter what’s going on in your life, your whole perspective changes when you set the burdens aside and just share the gospel. Even if you don’t see someone saved, it’s good to know you are laboring together with God. (Eph. 6:15)
8. Rest—sounds so unspiritual compared to the others doesn’t it? But it’s not only spiritual—it’s vital! Quite often, we just run on empty, physically speaking. Sometimes the best thing you can do is “crash!” Don’t set the alarm. Actually sleep, and don’t feel guilty about it. When you’re recharged, you’ll get three times as much done than if you had continued trying to be productive on fumes! (Ps. 127:2)
9. Spend Time with Someone You Love—your spouse, your family, a godly friend. Right relationships are energizing. They have a restoring and renewing quality. Go ahead and spend yourself for others, but be sure you carve out time to be with those who strengthen you in the Lord as well. (Prov. 17:17)
10. Use Your Spiritual Gift(s)—take your unique personality combined with God’s Divine enabling(s) in your life, and put them to use for His purposes. Do what you’re really good at—but do it for God. This is “over-the-top” fun and eternally significant. Nothing puts fresh wind in your sails like investing your life and resources into eternity. (1 Peter 4:10)
When you’re engaging in biblical, renewing activities (like these) then it’s only a matter of time before God breathes new strength into your spiritual life. Patiently enjoy His presence as He renews your strength. (Isa. 40:31)
Thanks to Bro. Cary Schmidt for these insights.
