Caring for Yourself While Serving God and OthersSample

Pushing Reset

Despite how much we love the Lord and try to walk in obedience to Him, there will be times when we are tired, cranky, and restless. Hopefully, those times are few and fleeting.

When discouragement takes residence as a long-term tenant in our spirit, we have three options:

1. Ignore

2. Isolate

3. Investigate

Ignoring the issue and isolating ourselves might feel like quick solutions … but the only way to gain lasting peace is to investigate and address the root cause of our discouragement.

If you’re feeling constantly depleted, you may have debris that obstructs your view of all God has for you. Now is the perfect time for a spiritual reset.

Like David modeled many times throughout Psalms, cry out to the Lord and ask for His help. Ask the Holy Spirit to renew your mind and spirit.

Foundations matter, and your heart is the foundation God will build upon. If you don’t address its cracks and instability, the flaws will grow over time, ultimately limiting your effectiveness for the Kingdom.

Application

• Think about the last time you spent significant uninterrupted time with the Lord. Was it days, weeks, months, or years ago?
• Plan a time to reconnect with your Creator. Mark it on your calendar. Consider going for a long walk or hike, planning a solo picnic, or scheduling a retreat at a campground or hotel to get spiritually refreshed.
• Prepare for your time away. Make a list of topics you want to pray through. Bring your Bible or audio Bible, a notebook, writing utensils, a Bible study, and reference materials. Prepare a playlist of your favorite worship songs. However, if you choose to spend time with the Lord, make sure you are removing as many distractions as possible and making yourself available to Him.