“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31
I don’t know about you, but my emails have been bombarded with offers promoting everything from million-dollar business ideas to the world’s best supplements and everything in between. I’ve been hesitant to send emails to my subscribers for fear of adding to the chaos.
Less than a month into the new year, everyone seems to be running at high speed on the treadmill of life. I’m afraid it won’t be long before all those sprinters will be worn out and running on fumes.
What about you? Did you start the new year racing ahead only to feel exhausted by the end of the first week? While it’s tempting to join the frenzy this year, I’ve decided to walk at a new pace. It’s a simpler, gentler pace set by the Holy Spirit who is calling me to stop, look, and listen.
Just as we teach our children how to cross the street safely, God is putting his loving hand in front of me, preventing me from darting into traffic. I love this visual, don’t you? The Lord standing with us on the curb of opportunity, letting us know when it’s safe to cross.
If you’ve been sprinting since January 1st, and you’re already running on fumes, here are a few things you can do to slow your pace as God leads:
Identify What Is Meaningful Versus Meaningless
We’re so used to attributing the Psalms to David that it might be surprising to learn that Psalm 127 is written by his son, Solomon. It starts by saying, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep” (Psalm 127:1-2).
This passage reminds me of the Book of Ecclesiastes where Solomon writes from a state of despair, saying, “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless. What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?” (Ecclesiastes 1:2-3).
It seems one of the wisest kings in all of history was running on fumes himself. Having riches and pleasures and everything his heart desired, he still struggled to find peace. And God’s peace is what sustains us through it all. Amen?
When our priorities get mixed up, we spend too much time and energy chasing after something, anything, to fulfill us. But over time, this leads to exhaustion and can even lead to burnout. Identifying what is meaningful versus meaningless is a great way to slow your pace and step into exactly what God has called you to do.
Here are a few questions to help you prioritize:
-What gives you energy? What zaps your energy?
-What are three things you can (and should) let go of today?
-What is one thing you’d like to start this week?
-Who are the people closest to you, and how are you making them a priority?
-Are you spending time with God, and how can you increase time with Him?
As Solomon said, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” This reminds us that in all the work we do, in all our efforts and striving, it is meaningless without God’s favor and blessing.
Reevaluate what is consuming your time and attention and eliminate activities that are non-essential. Once you experience more margin in your schedule, you’ll be able to breathe deeply again, unhurried by outside pressures that, in the end, are meaningless.
Fine-Tune Your Goals and Ditch the Rest
Recently, I was challenged to try a journaling exercise by listing 50 things I wanted to do, have, or be in the next year. As I reviewed my list, I felt a bit overwhelmed, thinking I’d never accomplish my “dreams.” But when I narrowed it down to a few key goals, the finish line came into view.
If you’re feeling unfocused and overwhelmed, it might be time to fine-tune your dreams and narrow your horizons. Even if you can’t come up with 50 things you’d like to do, have, or be, write down 10. Circle the top three and go from there.
Here are some goals you might list:
-Travel to a place you’ve never been before
-Volunteer for a local ministry or community outreach
-Join a hiking club
-Start a blog
Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Prayerfully fine-tuning our dreams reveals areas where we’ve conformed to the world’s way of thinking and doing. It refocuses our hearts on God’s will and helps us eliminate what doesn’t belong. And when we get clear on what’s most important, we’re able to move forward without all the extra stuff wearing us down.
Stay Fueled for the Journey
The promotion of self-care has exploded in recent years, and rightfully so. I’m not talking about self-indulgence here, but rather, daily care of our heart, mind, body, and spirit. After all, we were created as multi-faceted people and need a multi-faceted approach to stay fueled for the journey.
If you’re running on fumes, fill your calendar with self-care appointments including:
-Afternoon naps
-Walks outside
-Date nights with your spouse or time with friends
-Personal retreats to rest and pray
If it’s not on the calendar, it probably won’t happen. Treat these appointments as “can’t miss” engagements to keep you fueled and going strong.
Ultimately, the world is full of fast-paced offers enticing us to “take action” and “sprint to success.” However, there’s a gentle pace set by the Holy Spirit, a pace that invites us into sweet communion with Him. Will you carve out time today to hear His still, small voice telling you to stop, look, and listen?
A Prayer for the Person Running on Fumes:
Gracious God, please bless the person reading this today, the one who is worn out and exhausted from everything pulling them in different directions. Lord, You know their circumstances better than anyone. Please break through the noise and draw them into Your peaceful presence. Call them deeper into the pasture, beside still waters, where they can think clearly and realign with Your will. Help them eliminate things that are non-essential and find joy in the goals that matter. Refuel them by Your Holy Spirit, breathing new life into them and providing strength for the journey. In Jesus’ name, amen.
More Resources for Your Journey:
A Prayer for God to Bring You Through an Exhausting Life Phase
A Prayer When You Are Tired, Weary, and Ready to Give Up
How to Renew Your Faith When You’re Tired
Photo Credit: ©Aaron Amat
Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth.
