Running on Empty

Corrie ten Boom once said that if the devil can’t make you sin, he’ll make you busy.

I have often quoted something similar myself. ‘The enemy is happy for you to be so busy, even doing God’s work, that you burn out.’ Get to burn out and he has won. You are now no good for anything, or anyone.

How often do you say to yourself, ‘I need to push through just a little bit longer.’ I need to help one more person, answer that last email, do that extra task today, even though I feel exhausted.’ Pushing beyond your limits results in becoming overwhelmed by everything. Inevitably you begin to begrudge all that you used to enjoy and were purposed to do. Often when you get to this point, it’s easy to lose clarity of thinking, become frustrated with people who may not be working as hard as you, and even becoming short tempered with those you love or serve.

Why do we do this?

Often it can be because of the expectation others, or you, put on yourself to perform, or simply to get things done – deadlines met, one extra meeting to organise or attend, keeping a promise that you know will be difficult because you are already pulling from your empty tank – you can fill in the blanks. Your motive is pure – it’s because you care. However, it’s easy to lose perspective when you start to burn out. How do I know? I have been there and it is not a healthy space to be in. Although I am fully aware now, and doing much better, I have to watch myself as a task orientated gal.

Lessons from the life of Jesus.

‘As Jesus ran to the next town, He reminded His disciples that He only had three and a half years to accomplish the mandate His Father gave Him to do. He often hurried them along, saying, “let’s go, let’s go!”’ Tell me where in the Word of God you read this. Nowhere right! You find Him resting, getting away with His Father to pray, and even when urgent needs came His way — waiting. From that position, miracles took place, lessons were taught, revelation was imparted, and His prophetic voice was proclaimed.

Why then, do many of us believe we can do any different? Personal refuelling will not take care of itself? Pause for a moment if you will, and see how Jesus is wanting us to do life.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” – Matthew 11:28-30 (msg)

If we are not healthy — body, soul and spirit — we can’t pour into others with our very best.

Rushing or getting busy doesn’t equate to fruitfulness. You get pulled in every direction because of need, and then you become overwhelmed or worn out. You do this not because you want to wear yourself out, but, as I said before, because you care about others so much. You want to be selfless, so you go the extra mile. The question you need to consider is, ‘Are you pouring out of a full or an empty vessel?’

If you don’t plan your time, your time will plan you. If you don’t care for yourself, everything else will take a piece of you, until you have nothing left to give and find yourself giving out of an empty tank – a tank empty of energy, clear thinking, blessings and motivation. There is a reason when travelling on an airplane the crew will ask for our attention to give us this important information; ‘If air pressure falls, put the mask on yourself first before you put it on your child.’ They know full well that you will not have the strength to help your child if you are weak yourself.

Q: What are you doing to safeguard against getting depleted in your spirit, emotions, health, time, relationships and mind? Take stock of how much time you are putting in to refuelling each and every area of your life. What you are doing well and where you need to improve? Don’t let the enemy rob you of all He has for you and those you love and serve.

Deb