Dear Friends,
Last week we shared with you a story of hope. This week we look at those times when hope dims – those times when you feel your emotional tank is nearing empty.
After all, life has a way of draining our tank. In John 16:33 (NIV), Jesus said, “’In this world you will have trouble.’” Isn’t that the truth?
Our finances may seem to be in fine shape … until the overdraft notice from the bank arrives. We are certain we deposited the check … until we find it tucked in the visor of the car. You’re happy your son or daughter has found new friends … until you find out they have habits you disapprove of. You feel fit to run a marathon … until you get that call from the doctor.
When your tank hits empty, it’s time to apply the 3-R’s: Rally, Reflect, and Rest.
First, rally the troops. Recently I was blindsided by a cancer diagnosis. Being one who normally keeps health issues to myself, I wasn’t quite sure how to react when Bonnie told a few of our Christian friends about my diagnosis. But when I returned from surgery, I discovered what it means to be in the family of God. A bouquet of flowers was at the door, two sets of neighbors brought food to get us through a tough couple of days, and another Christian brother who had been through similar surgery called to offer prayer and to answer questions about what may lie ahead. Best of all were the countless prayers from friends and family. When the troops you rally are your brothers and sisters in Christ, you are on the road to victory.
“We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.” 2 Thessalonians 1:3
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.” Proverbs 27:9 (NIV)
I am compelled to add that one of the people who became a powerful helper and advisor is a woman who is self-avowed atheist. She’d scoff at the thought, but based on her heart, I’d say that the Holy Spirit isn’t finished working on her yet. Our hope and prayer is that she will come to know the Lord.
The next step when your tank is empty is to reflect on the goodness of God. A while back I wrote a blog about turning worries over to God. That blog had been inspired by my concerns about the test that ultimately led to my cancer diagnosis. I saw God’s goodness in the peace he gave me as I waited for the test results, then learned of the diagnosis, and eventually underwent surgery. Sometimes, just peace of mind is a miracle.
I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. Psalm 31:7 (NLT)
The final step is to rest. — “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8
“The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.” Lamentations 3:25-26
I like the expression, “You can’t; God can, so let Him.”
Isaiah put it this way, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
If you feel your emotional tank is nearing empty, it’s time to go to the Lord for a fill-up. There’s no telling what miracles He has in store for you.
Verse for the week: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20
Blessings,
Your Friends in Christ
Because He Loves Us Press 