What does your spiritual gas gauge look like? Is it on E for Exhausted, F for Full of the Spirit, or somewhere in between? How often do you run out of gas? A few times a week? Every day at 3 :00?

Signs you are Nearing Exhaustion or Empty

A good indication you are running low on fuel is when you feel anxious, angry, never good enough or tired of trying. I know because I have been so tired of trying to overcome my sin nature. It feels like a never ending battle doesn’t it?

So what is the quickest way to get the arrow towards F? Prayer, Bible study, fellowship? I’ve made the mistake of trying to work to get my tank fuller. I thought if I worked harder, prayed more, studied my Bible more, volunteered more at church that it would make up for all my sins. How arrogant! My sins, guilt and shame have been taken care of on the cross at a price higher than I could ever pay.

The fuel comes from rest; by giving God control. Christianity is not a self improvement program. It’s not about us, it’s about Him. It’s about resting in Him allowing Him to live His live in us. Giving Him control.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Mat 11:29

Trying to control God by my performance or manipulation never works. You cannot earn points by homeschooling your children, attending church every time the door is open, or diligently having daily devotions. These things certainly don’t make you better than any of God’s other children (unfortunately many act as if they do–superior and judgmental attitudes are in epidemic proportions in the body).

It is easier to rest in God when things are going well. But what about when you are having “one of those days“? What about difficult situations. Peter trusted while in chains. Paul knew that God could rescue him from imprisonment and shipwreck. Both knew God had a reason for the circumstances. God always has our good in mind no matter how the circumstances appear. When we trust and give God control we are walking in His Kingdom.

For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps. (1 Peter 2:21)

Sin is a form of control. When Jesus was tempted in the desert, Satan was offering Him control. When a marriage breaks up it is because two people are trying to control. Living in the sin nature is trying to control things to make us feel good in our flesh.

Our fuel tank is filled when we give up control and rest in God in all circumstances instead of trying to free ourselves. Only then can we be at peace.

Thus says the LORD, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ (Jeremiah 6:16)

Fill ‘er up!

Open your eyes every morning and say “Fill ‘er up!” Give God your day. Ask Him to teach you, lead you and guide you. Then trust He will do it. Be available! Listen for the Spiritual tugs.

When you allow Him to fill you, your daily focus will be on love. When you understand how much He loves you, you will desire to obey the two main commands (a summary of all the law): loving Him and loving others.

Love everyone. Look at everyone that crosses your path through God’s eyes. Recognize that each person has been broken spiritually and love them as you would love an abused child.

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5 )

And rejoice! God’s fuel never runs out and His price never goes up.

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