As you work in ministry, do you ever feel like you've given out more than you have within yourself? Sometimes I get so busy doing the Lord's work that I neglect to feed my own soul. When I realize I'm spiritually lean, I look for ways to energize my soul. Here are a few ideas that help me. Maybe they will work for you too.
Punch God's Time Clock. Spiritual malnutrition is often the result of a too-busy schedule. My day usually goes better if I begin the day with God. I pray along these lines: "Lord, thank You for giving me another day in which to serve You. Take charge of my schedule today, and help me to take maximum advantage of every minute. Keep me focused on Your purpose for me today."
When I punch God's time clock in the morning, I am more conscious of the Lord throughout the day. God becomes my partner in business affairs and household chores as well as in ministry.
Make a Concentrated Effort. An all-out effort contributes to the success of most any endeavor. I can dillydally with the dishes for an hour or go to it and get them done in ten minutes. If I allow my mind to wander, I may need to read the Scripture text three times. With full concentration I can get more out of it the first time around.
Scripture confirms this is also true regarding prayer. In Jeremiah 29:13 God speaks: "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (NIV). The intensity of the plea commands God's attention more than the amount of time involved.
Jesus actually condemned the Pharisees for their lengthy prayers of meaningless words (Matt. 6:7). Their shallow display of piety failed to impress God.
Occasional fasting stimulates the soul. The sacrifice of skipping a meal indicates an urgency to do business with God. Hunger pangs serve as a reminder to keep praying while engaged in other activity.
Obey God. Jesus said to His disciples, "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love … You are my friends if you do what I command" (John 15:10, 14, NIV).
As a spiritual energy bar, obedience is rich in nutritional value. I sometimes find it necessary to call time out from ministry to obey my own advice.
While writing a curriculum lesson, I emphasized the importance of reaching out to the community with God's love. At that point I felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit. I had failed to follow through on a good intention.
A few days earlier I had been touched by a story on the evening news. In an automobile accident a young girl had sustained severe injuries that would require a lengthy rehabilitation period. "You can brighten her days with cards and letters," the reporter said.
"Lord, forgive me for missing an opportunity," I prayed. "Let me make it up now." When I called the TV station, the person I talked to had the address readily available. After I wrote to tell the girl how much God loves her, I felt a burst of energy surge through my soul.
Consent to Spiritual Surgery. When I got breast cancer, I needed surgery. Before the doctor operated, though, I had to sign a consent form. Spiritual surgery is sometimes required too. "If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off" (Mark 9:43, NIV). The figure of speech indicates the need to remove the thought that directs the hand to sin.
When an unhealthy attitude creeps into my heart, I need an "attitudectomy." The surgeon and I must work together with full cooperation. If I supply the determination and the discipline, the Holy Spirit will supply the power to complete successful surgery.
After I turn my weakness over to God, claiming a verse of Scripture helps me cope with temptation. For example, Matthew 6:33 is a good guide when I discover that pleasure or earthly possessions are too high on my priority list.
Focus Beyond Self. Prayer may become more effective when someone else is the focus of the request. While praying for the salvation of her son Bob, the mother felt an urge to shift her burden to Harry, the small town's bad boy. To the amazement of everyone except the woman, Harry's life turned around through the power of Jesus Christ. The dramatic change in Harry influenced Bob to seek a personal relationship with the Lord. The miraculous answer to prayer caused the woman's faith to soar.
I once found spiritual enrichment through giving time away. While I was suffering from ministry-related burnout, a friend asked me to help him with a speech. I tried to say no, but the Holy Spirit wouldn't let me. Afterward, I tackled my own project with renewed energy and finished nine days ahead of schedule.
The magic formula was first taught by Jesus: "Those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it" (Matt. 16:25, NRSV). Anything lost for the cause of Christ will be replaced with something better.
These are only a few of the ways to build spiritual renewal into your busy schedule. As you look for energy bars to meet your soul's needs, you'll be surprised at the innovative ideas that come to your mind.
