On Empty

•

It feels like life went from 0 to 100 overnight.  The world went from a global standstill to returning to the office, schools back in session, kids’ sports in full gear, and social calendars filling up, and yet there’s a sense of weariness and feeling drained amidst it all. On top of that, Silicon Valley already runs at a breakneck pace.  No wonder so many feel tired and overwhelmed.  Perhaps you feel like you’re running on empty spiritually, emotionally, relationally or physically.  What do we do when we are on empty?  How do we respond when depression knocks out our door?  And how does God meet us in our weariness?  

  Subscribe
  Connection Card
  Give
  Share
X
X

Subscribe on YouTube

Subscribe to our podcast

  Podcasts
overcast

Scripture

  • 1 Kings 19:3-9

More from Navigating Normal

more Sermons

Teaching Notes

What do we do when we are running on empty?

How do we respond when depression knocks at our door?

How does God meet us in our weariness?

 

 

Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.”  He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. There he went into a cave and spent the night. 1 Kings 19:3-9

 

The Warning Signs of Empty:

 

  • When your FEELINGS start to drive your DECISIONS. 
  • When you retreat from COMMUNITY into ISOLATION.
  • When you lose PERSPECTIVE, PASSION, & PURPOSE.

 

PRINCIPLE: 

You are not a human DOING, but a human BEING.

(Elijah was a human being, even as we are. James 5:17)

PRACTICE:

Accept your LIMITATIONS & God’s INVITATION to rest.

  • DIVERT Daily
  • RETREAT Weekly 
  • ABANDON Yearly

 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

 

Am I in a season or caught in a cycle?

Is the pace of life pushing out your peace?

What rhythms do I need to embrace or replace?

 

FURTHER RESOURCES:

 

  • Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons
  • Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordeiro
  • The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
  • Emotionally Healthy Discipleship by Peter Scazzero