Do you sometimes feel like you have emptied yourself doing so much for other people, and now you are depleted? I have, and all of us who are caring for the needs of others have felt that way at some point in time. I learned early in ministry that when you pour out all of God's Goodness stored up in you, you have emptied your container and now you need to be refilled.

 

The exhaustion and the overwhelming day-to-day responsibilities have left you withered physically, emotionally, and often spiritually. This is the time of your refreshing. God promises a time of refreshing for those who do good to others. Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) states, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

 

Don't be ashamed to admit; at least to yourself, that you need to be refreshed. It's your time of refreshing. So, take some time for yourself to get quiet, and get alone as much as you can to take care of you; spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Just pull back from catering to the needs of others for a season and cater to loving yourself. It may seem selfish in the beginning, but every moment you spend loving yourself, is a moment of refreshing yourself. 

 

Seek quality time to fast and pray. Get into the presence of God as much as you can, for He is your place of restoration and refreshing. Get quiet and breathe deeply; exhaling all the distress that has accumulated in your body. Quiet your mind and focus only on things and thoughts that build you up and bring you peace. Do something fun just for yourself. And above all else; REST!!!

 

When you nurture yourself, you will be a vessel God can continue to use to nurture others. It's okay to give, but don't give yourself away. God taught me years ago, " Don't give all of yourself to anyone but Me, no one can handle all of you except Me. Share yourself with others while taking care of yourself."

 

That's not always easy to do when serving, because we sometimes get so involved in the work of ministering to others (family, friends, neighbors, enemies) that we completely forget to minister to God and ourselves. I have noticed that when I neglect time with God; I neglect to take time for myself. And when I neglect to spend time with myself; I neglect to make time for intimacy with God. The result always brings spiritual weakness, emotional exhaustion, physical fatigue, and an attack by the devil.

 

I have learned over the years, when I feel like I have nothing left to give, this is the time to pour love into myself. When I take time to care for myself, then I am better equipped to walk in my calling and serve others with joy. I urge you, please take care of yourself. It's the best gift of love you can give to God, others, and especially, to you. And if you don't know where to begin, begin in prayer; God will meet you there and help you to nurture yourself in His rest.