Don’t Let Your Energy Well Run Dry
For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. (Colossians 1:29)
It is hard to be a person of faith. We must make time for our family, work responsibilities, and spirituality. Having enough energy for all these expectations and more can feel overwhelming. Sadly, even prayer can feel like one more responsibility that drains more energy from our empty reserves. If we run out of energy, we have nothing to offer in Christ’s name.
In his CNBC article, “Psychologist shares the No. 1 exercise highly successful people use to be happier,” Morgan Smith provided a warning I needed to heed. “Just like you wouldn’t burn through your whole paycheck on payday, you shouldn’t use all of your energy every day.” When we view energy as a valuable resource, we can better treat it with the care it deserves. So how do we protect our energy when being pulled in so many directions, with so many responsibilities?
Morgan Smith recommends we keep track of our activities and determine where we spend our time and attention. He suggests we “Categorize each action as an ‘energy credit’ or ‘energy debit.’” Many of us do not know how to gain an energy credit. Only in the past few years have I admitted the need to take time for directed meditation. As I’ve said before, I recommend the app Headspace for guided meditation in several areas, from introductory meditation to anxiety support and so much more. I also play guitar and shoot pool for energy renewal. Exercise is also vital.
The first step is to stop thinking of self-care as selfish. We can only be loving, caring, and supportive when we have something left within ourselves. Even Jesus could not work non-stop without time away to renew his energy. Prayer is a vast energy maker. I weave prayer into my meditation practice, inviting the Holy Spirit into the experience. Energy flows into my body, mind, and soul when I do. Energy doesn’t come all at once but takes continual care. Stay focused on your well of energy, and do not let your well run dry. When you invite the Spirit into your energy renewal process, your energy will overflow.