You want to be faithful. You want to be loving.

But if you’re always running on empty that will be hard to do. It will also be difficult if you’re always giving and giving and giving. Yes, giving is good. It can be a blessing when we give our time and talent to help others.

But a car with an empty tank isn’t much use.

I was recently reminded of this fact when a prayer warrior from our church named Mandy sent me a post from Instagram by @thebestchristianmemes. It was about the time when the prophet Elijah fled from the evil Queen Jezebel. 1 Kings 19:4 says: “He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”

Elijah went to sleep, and an angel brought him food and water. The post provided this commentary: “Never underestimate the spiritual power of a nap & a snack.”

True enough!

In time, Elijah’s attitude improved. Granted, he also experienced a first-hand conversation with God himself. That would encourage any one of us! But the point remains: Never underestimate the spiritual power of a nap and a snack.

God put is in bodies—bodies which need nourishment and rest. When we don’t get enough of either, it skews our perspective and we are drained of the strength we need to think clearly and be the hands and feet of Christ. 

You want to be faithful. You want to be loving. So do I.

If you want to take care of others you need to take care of yourself.

---

Notes:

–“An interview at Life 100.3FM about The Up Devotional, Christian radio, music, and God’s work at church.” I was invited to share some thoughts at Ontario’s Christian Superstation recently. Here is a podcast of my talk with David Mann and Steve Jones. Click here.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.