Sometimes in life, we're brought to the edge of our endurance. I don't mean as in some excruciating trial, just a period of prolonged stress, activity, or pressure. A person's job may be such that we can go for long seasons of activity and non stop pressure to get the project done, only to go on to the next one, and the next, and... It comes as no surprise then, that if we get caught in that cycle we soon get to the end of our natural energies and stamina. We might experience mild depression, sluggishness, a kind of malaise for life in general. Even those of us who are most dedicated to their job or calling, and genuinely love what we do can feel a sense of heaviness and maybe a sense of despair. The joy and satisfaction that we usually feel is somehow missing because we have depleted ourselves by a long stretch of hectic activity.
It is at these times that we have to remember that although God is infinite, we are definitely finite. He may have unlimited power, but we are most definitely limited. We need to take time to recharge our mental, spiritual and physical resources. Thankfully, we have an unlimited source of replenishment. He is God Himself, Who is the source of life for all, but especially for believers in Christ.
In one season of pastoral ministry, I had just passed through a very trying time. There was tension and some conflicts that I had to navigate through. The conflicts, church finances, teachings and training, long hours, over a sustained period of time finally caught up with me. I wasn't discouraged or ready to quit. There was no temptation at my door to which I was ready to succumb or anything like that. I was just emotionally weary. My prayer time was good, things were getting done, my family life was good, I was just weary. Finally one morning as I sat in my office staring somewhat blankly at some pictures I had received as gifts, I realized that I needed a touch from God.
Now, what I meant was not a pep talk or a good book, not a promise that might register in my mind while leaving my heart cold. I needed a touch, some supernatural action from God's Holy Spirit, that would lift the sluggish fog from my soul. I went to the front of the church to the altar, and prayed a simple prayer of confession. My confession was one of inability and weakness. I said, "Lord, what I need is a willing spirit." It didn't take very long to pray along those lines, as I acknowledged my inability to even want to continue. I just prayed out my need, that I didn't have the strength to even want to get better and go on serving. I need a willing spirit, was my prayer.
Soon the Spirit of God Who Jesus calls the Comforter, somehow came upon me and within me. It's hard to describe, even though I have had similar experiences a few times in my life. But the Holy Spirit came and filled my dried heart with encouragement and renewing. The sluggishness and weariness seemed to just dissipate as He filled me and seemed to touch the remote boundaries of my soul. I didn't want it to end, but after about fifteen to twenty minutes of prayer, confessing, rejoicing, thankful worship, I knew I was going to be OK.
Sometimes it is the supernatural touch of God through His Spirit, that brings the answer that even the best books can never bring. These are unusual days of limited movement, encroachment upon our liberties, financial pressure, unemployment. We, as Christ's church reach out to people with the hope of the Gospel. We serve as we are able. Yet we can be depleted in our energies.
Now as we have more time at home, we can get aside for sacred communion with our heavenly Father. He will find the way to sustain us and give us that supernatural visitation of His Holy Spirit. He promised we would receive "power from on high." He said that when our hearts are heavy or hurting, that we can receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us.
If you're feeling weary and sluggish, there is a place of refreshment. You may or may not have an experience like mine, but it doesn't matter, not really. What matters is, God, by His promised Holy Spirit, will find a way, His way, into your soul and you will undeniably know it is Him. You're encouragement will come, and will be tailor made for you.
So, if your soul aches today, take the time, make the time to seek Him. Refreshment is waiting for you to act.
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