Today’s Devotional: Squeezed Dry
In the following devotional from My Utmost for his Highest, Oswald Chambers’ writes about the experience of utter spiritual exhaustion:
Exhaustion means that our vital energies are completely worn out and spent. Spiritual exhaustion is never the result of sin, but of service. Whether or not you experience exhaustion will depend on where you get your supplies. Jesus said to Peter, “Feed My sheep,” but He gave him nothing with which to feed them ( John 21:17 ). The process of being made broken bread and poured-out wine means that you have to be the nourishment for other people’s souls until they learn to feed on God. They must drain you completely— to the very last drop. But be careful to replenish your supply, or you will quickly be utterly exhausted. Until others learn to draw on the life of the Lord Jesus directly, they will have to draw on His life through you. You must literally be their source of supply, until they learn to take their nourishment from God. We owe it to God to be our best for His lambs and sheep, as well as for Him.
Have you delivered yourself over to exhaustion because of the way you have been serving God? If so, then renew and rekindle your desires and affections. Examine your reasons for service. Is your source based on your own understanding or is it grounded on the redemption of Jesus Christ? Continually look back to the foundation of your love and affection and remember where your Source of power lies. You have no right to complain, “O Lord, I am so exhausted.” He saved and sanctified you to exhaust you. Be exhausted for God, but remember that He is your supply. “All my springs are in you” ( Psalm 87:7 ).
Read the rest of the devotional at RBC ministries.
Have you ever been spiritually exhausted? How would you respond to Chambers’ question: “Have you delivered yourself over to exhaustion because of the way you have been serving God?”
This is a really great question and I’m so glad to also see you mention that there is a difference between making this effort and being completely and totally exhausted. At which point, you (or me) are not a big help. It reminded me of Jesus heading to the desert for a rest. Getting away, recharging with God and then daring to return, knowing that it meant once again being exhausted.
I have been reading “My Utmost For His Highest” for many years. This wonderful work of God in Oswald Chambers’ life is meant for today and I find great relevance in today’s devotional. I find myself exhausted after a day of ministry in Hope Shelter in Morehead City and in AA and Bible study since there are many meetings weekly. However, each day I ask God to grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference. This is the opening of The Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Neibher. Without focusing my morning on my part of God’s work and leaving everything in His hands, I am unable to receive wisdom for the day. My God shall supply all your needs acording to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:19 and Phillipians 4:13 I can do all things in Him.
I agree with Jessica and am reminded of Christ taking the 12 Disciples up to the mountain after they returned from their initial ministry outreach to the nation of Israel.
Seek ye First the kingdom of God,and ALL things shall follow! How utterly simple and beautiful is His message to us,momently.
Blessings to all.
Eric (HosannaBiz) On twitter
Oh how beautiful is the heart that has poured out love and hope on others, secure in knowing the Lord will replenish the spirit that lives to serve Him. I need only to open His Word, ask in prayer and in the faith that flows freely because I know my Redeemer lives in me, I can go and serve again! How blessed I am, and how much I have to give away to those who do not YET know this precious love He has given me!
I encourage those who have not served Him, step out and find the ministry that needs you. This may be the man on the corner who has a sign asking for help. Take the time to reach out to him, be ready with a small bible and a fast food gift card inside, meet his physical needs and BE the LOVE that will touch his soul with the Spirit…this is what Christian love is! Pray with this person, pray for their needs, tell how you are blessed by God, share that this blessing is there for him too, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through HIm. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemened already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” John 3:16-18 Ask him if he knows Jesus, has he accepted His gift of salvation….if not ask if he is ready say the sinners prayer, pray it with him, and then he will no longer be a stranger, he will be your brother in Christ! This is the great commission Chrsit gave his disciplies, which we are to do TODAY…”All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, … and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18:20 The world is waiting to hear of Christ, He is waiting to come for His Chruch! “I’m ready, are you?
Every morning I wake up drained, exhausted. It’s like “Ground Hog Day” all over again. I cared for my mom for 4 years until she passed of brain cancer almost a year ago. But just about 3 months after she died my Dad got extremely ill and I am now tied to his side – I am sick myself but everyday I have to pick myself out of bed and start the process of caring for everyone around me – especially my Father. I would NEVER make it without God. He is my supply. He is the strength that reaches up and lives through me. “God make me receptive to all You want for me – It’s ok to be used up – as long as I am being used up for You.”