Where Do We Find the Energy?

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)

Physical activity is a spiritual enterprise because, without energy, we cannot fulfill our God-given calling. The older I get, the less energy I possess to perform my ministry. Throughout my ministry, people have joked about my unending energy. I must have the enthusiasm of a five-year-old while doing essential work. For the last few years, I've publicly tried to provide the same vitality, but I often feel exhausted at home. At this stage of my ministry, my physical well-being is as important as my spiritual growth.

So, I turn to Alex Mathers and his article "Seven habits of the most energized people I know" to help me improve my energy level to continue enhancing my ministry. Mather's first recommendation is understandable. "1. Spend a lot of time in physical motion." Exercise is more than trying to look good; it is part of my calling. Without consistent exercise, my body will not meet the job's demands. "2. Have simple routines" acknowledges we need to remain organized so we can refrain from wasting our limited vigor. "3. Reduce processed anything." A proper diet takes time but is worth every minute. As we age, our diet can fuel or diminish us.

Regaining energy is more than just addressing the physical. "4. Work for something greater than themselves." When you are young, you are encouraged to focus on the future, especially your career and finances. It can feel nearly impossible to reorient life to focus beyond the self. The last Mathers recommendation I would offer is "6. They reaffirm their priorities daily." If we are not intentional about setting our priorities, others will, and that sucks the energy from us.

Finally, I would like to add one recommendation of my own. Apart from God, all activities feel shallow over time and pull energy from us. For example, I love watching my Minnesota Vikings, but it is only a fun diversion. Those who worship at the altar of the sports channel have an empty god. You find energy in living a meaningful life. You discover life's meaning only in our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. Even when our physical bodies betray us, we feel invigorated when we know God has something left for us to do. I've found more energy from trying to honor God than anything else. Take care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual life, and the Spirit will provide the drive to take on the next task.