Are YOU Spiritually Exhausted? --Oswald Chambers
(Oswald gives some great advice this morning!!! When (not if) we are exhausted spiritually, we simply need to be resupplied by the supplier of all. Perhaps this is why being still and reflecting on God is so powerful? He recharges us, fill us, overflows us...Luke 6:38--"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” I was recently feeling this way, actually making a list of the many things I would soon drop out of. I wrestled with God over the list, but I made my decision based on my emotions. Yep, I was going to make the announcements in just a few days...but I didn't. I only told a few trusted friends of my plans. They didn't comment, they just listened. In a moment, however, it all changed. While gathered with some friends, a few shared their thoughts with me about my service. In that instant, my soul cried out with joy that God gave them the desire to tell me how they felt. I knew He was speaking to my spirit. It wasn't audible, but what I heard was, "I created you to do this, are you doing it for yourself or for Me?" I cry as I type this because when I do things in my own power and strength I fall so very short...but, when I tap into the deep well of Jesus, fresh water pours forth from my soul! I like the fresh water, I think I will go back to that well instead...How about you, do you need some spiritual energy? Read on....MH)
?
Are You Exhausted Spiritually?
?
The everlasting God…neither faints nor is weary. Isaiah 40:28
?
Exhaustion means that our vital energies are completely worn out and spent. Spiritual exhaustion is never the result of sin, but of service. Whether or not you experience exhaustion will depend on where you get your supplies. Jesus said to Peter, “Feed My sheep,” but He gave him nothing with which to feed them (John 21:17). The process of being made broken bread and poured-out wine means that you have to be the nourishment for other people’s souls until they learn to feed on God. They must drain you completely— to the very last drop. But be careful to replenish your supply, or you will quickly be utterly exhausted. Until others learn to draw on the life of the Lord Jesus directly, they will have to draw on His life through you. You must literally be their source of supply, until they learn to take their nourishment from God. We owe it to God to be our best for His lambs and sheep, as well as for Him.
?
Have you delivered yourself over to exhaustion because of the way you have been serving God? If so, then renew and rekindle your desires and affections. Examine your reasons for service. Is your source based on your own understanding or is it grounded on the redemption of Jesus Christ? Continually look back to the foundation of your love and affection and remember where your Source of power lies. You have no right to complain, “O Lord, I am so exhausted.” He saved and sanctified you to exhaust you. Be exhausted for God, but remember that He is your supply. “All my springs are in you” (Psalm 87:7).
?
--Oswald Chambers