Running on Empty


“Busyness is not a spiritual gift.”
~ Author Lisa Harper~

The first thing that came to mind when I read this week’s quote was a Bible study I led about 3 years ago. It is called “The Frazzled Female” by Cindi Wood. I actually pulled out the book and leafed through it. My thumb stopped at the following focus point and Scripture Passage:

Focusing on PRAISE: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” ~ Colossians 3:17 (ESV)

I think that this verse impacted me more than I initially thought. I believe it has changed my entire attitude when doing things that need to get done. I might not like to do the ironing, but if I do it with Colossians 3:17 in my head, I will do it willingly. It is the same with all the other chores that need to be done around the house. I actually caught myself this morning as I was folding laundry to think of this verse. God is amazing how He reminds us of Scriptures passages that He gave us years ago…

As I am thinking about our daily busyness, we really need to ‘carve out’ some time with the Lord. I know it is not always possible to really dig deep into Scripture with some girlfriends, but we need His Word. We need to focus on Him as we complete our daily tasks, otherwise we run rugged.

Jesus reminded Mary in Luke 10 to sometimes drop the things that are keeping us from sitting at His feet:

“But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.’”
~ Luke 10:41-42 (ESV)

I know what you are going to say. “Iris, it is easy for you to say to just drop everything and sit at his feet. I have my three kids pulling me in three different directions.” I know that you have more responsibilities than I currently have. I just run myself rugged with other things…

If we keep running on an empty tank, we will run dry and no one around us will be able to relax. The Lord keeps us going. We do need to take at least some time out to sit at His feet to refuel. In Him we have strength.

Kind of strange how the theme of busyness, taking a Sabbath and sitting at His feet keeps ‘haunting’ me over this past week. Maybe Someone is trying to tell me something…

I agree that busyness is not a spiritual gift. But recognizing that we are sometimes too busy is a gift from His Spirit.

Lord of Heaven and Earth. As I go about me daily task, let my works be praise to You. Help me to focus on You when I get overwhelmed. You, oh Lord, are my source of strength. Help me to find time to sit at your feet and refuel my tank. In the precious name of Jesus ~ Amen.

Please visit our hostess, Christine at Fruit in Season, for her take on the quote and to meet up with other Godly women.

Blessings on your day and as always…

Sig Tag

21 Replies to “Running on Empty”

  1. “I agree that busyness is not a spiritual gift. But recognizing that we are sometimes too busy is a gift from His Spirit.” Oh I love how you said that, so VERY true.

    And it is true when you have small kids running around, you think things will calm down once they are a little older, but actually more things (different things) then consume your time.

    Blessings.

  2. How wise to remind us that running on empty will cause us to dry up. I so often forget that I do need to refill my tank in order to care for the needs of my family. Blessings to you.

  3. I like it when people think like me! I’ve been saying the same thing about “carving out” time to be with Him. So what it takes to have that quiet time. Even if it’s humbling yourself and asking someone to watch the kids for 30 minutes and you go sit in the park and spend time letting God fill you up in His presence. We would never be able to run our vehicles on an empty tank. It just won’t go! Neither can we run our lives on an empty tank. Why is it that we don’t recognize that? Then we wonder why we’re exhausted or frustrated or lonely or too busy or unfruitful, or crabby with the family, or, or…. This is a great post. Thank you so much for your wisdom.
    Blessings!

  4. I absolutely agree Iris. More often than not I try to squeeze in time for the Lord when that should be my first priority. When I do take the time, there is such a sense of peace and order. This was beautifully written Iris.

  5. Great post Iris. I was especially moved by, “But recognizing that we are sometimes too busy is a gift from His Spirit.” Thanks for sharing your insights. God bless.

  6. Those same thoughts have been haunting me too! Maybe that’s why I was ordered on bedrest… 🙂

    I always am blessed by your thoughts, Iris. Thanks!

  7. Thank you very much for your sharing.
    Before when I am very busy with my work, I used to complain. But when I am not busy with my work, I also used to complain.
    It is really a lesson for me to learn to clam in Him busy or not.
    Just as DOING(SOMETIMES MEANS REST ALSO) EVERYTHING AS DO FOR GOD.

  8. How cool Iris…Our church hosted a women’s conference last Sept and we had Cindi as our speaker. We had the most fun together. She really is a genuine, delightful person….I loved this study too!

  9. Too often, we let the busyness take the place of what we should really be concentrating on. Then God has to take us by the scruff of the neck and remind us what is important. He is really talking to me about this subject lately. I enjoyed your thoughts! Thanks for sharing!

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