Have You Ever Been Spiritually Exhausted?

When was the last time you were totally exhausted? I recall preaching three times on a Sunday morning and being so tired that all I wanted was my “lazy-boy.” I remember telling someone in one of my churches that I would be less tired if I chopped wood. A few weeks later I heard someone say, “I heard you’d rather chop wood than preach.” That wasn’t what I said at all! I was trying to say that preaching is hard work, and I would be less tired if I chopped wood.

In I Kings 19, the prophet Elijah found himself depleted in every way. Queen Jezebel threatened kill him after she discovered he had the prophets of Baal killed. Elijah ran away and prayed that he would die (19:3-4). Then he laid down. An angel touched him, telling him to get up and eat. He was strengthened by the food God provided and then “traveled 40 days and 40 nights” until he came to a cave. (vv. 9-18) He was refreshed and able to do the work God had planned for him.

Sometimes we may need to be encouraged in the Lord. It may come when we talk to another believer, sing a worship song, pray or read God’s Word. Eating the food God supplies may mean “real” food, it might also mean “spiritual” food. In my case, it meant something to drink and about 45 minutes of quiet time in my “lazy-boy.” Then, I was refreshed and could go on.

Are you ever exhausted? Give your burdens to the Lord, and you will be refreshed. God always gives us the strength to do what He has called us to do. God will supply food and rest for us and will help carry our load!

I Kings 19:5 – “An angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.”

By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Image: Adobe iStock