WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR RESOURCES ARE DRAINED

What Do You Do When Your Resources Are Drained

Have you ever reached for your cell phone to make a quick call only to find the battery was dead? Or, have you turned the ignition in your car, and nothing happened? All the energy was drained from your phone or car battery, so they no longer had the resources to do what they were designed to do.

I’ve faced these situations before, and I can tell you my response is always dependent on my wellness. Regardless of the circumstances, we all face complicated situations in our lives, and our response to them reflects our inner beauty.

Inner Beauty

Inner beauty is defined as the virtuous qualities within us. Our inner beauty should radiate happiness, peacefulness, and joy. Our gentle, quiet spirit.

“You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.” 1 Peter 3:4 NLT

In our roles as wives, mothers, daughters, career women, or volunteers, we can’t help but be immersed in the busyness of life. From sunrise to sunset, there’s work to be done, meetings to attend, and deadlines to meet, in addition to our family responsibilities. If we are not careful, a busy schedule opens the door to disorder and frustration. At the end of the day, we may find we have little time left for the very thing we need most: prayer and fellowship.

Be Intentional Each Day

Of course, we want to get it right each time and keep it together, but in our efforts to achieve it, we must take care not to drain ourselves. Like the batteries, if we drain ourselves completely, we will have nothing left to give.

“If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 CEV

Do you follow His Word and cast your cares upon Him? Or do you try to do it all, exhausting yourself as you try to meet everyone’s needs? I discovered long ago that as long as I am willing to overexert myself for others and their priorities, they will allow me to do so. And, I honestly can’t blame them. It’s my choice, my decision to make. The next time you are tempted to drain yourself, step back and reflect on your priorities. What matters most?

Overcommitted and Overwhelmed

As recently as this week, I was reviewing my schedule when I discovered I had overbooked myself by scheduling seven meetings in five days. I immediately recognized my mistake – I said yes before checking my calendar. Unfortunately, I tend to excel under pressure, and I am a performer and an overachiever, so it’s easy for me to over-commit.  Before I became too bent out of shape by my overbooked agenda, I went straight to God in prayer and gave Him my concerns.

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NLT

Why did I instantly turn to God? I believe in His promises, and I step out in faith, knowing that He will provide. And, I am delighted to share that He stepped in and saved me from an out-of-control schedule! Yes, I attended each meeting. Although things got a bit hectic, He gave me the strength and peace needed to get through the week. Did I learn a lesson from my blunder? Yes! In my haste to appear responsible and dedicated, I overscheduled my week, placing myself and my family at risk. Allowing myself the grace to admit my oversight and giving my concerns to God, He provided for me – physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Do Not Lose Heart

I encourage you to give your burdens and cares to God. To be intentional and take the time each day for restoration and renewal through prayer. In doing so, you will experience growth and vigor for the new day, and your inner beauty will reflect these qualities. All you need to do is trust and believe.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV

How will you prioritize your week or month? Through prayer and preparation? Through reflection?