Romans 6:9-11 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
I can't possibly be the only one who gets tired sometimes. Life has a way of making us weary from the work we have to do, and even the people we have to work with. Let's be honest, we can all become emotionally tired from helping other people. It may be a gift that motivates you, but it is still work, so what do you do when you get tired? You return to the source of your life!!
Getting in the flow!
The source of your life is Christ and Christ lives in us and acts through our gifts. Like a fish needs to swim to live, the gifts within the body of Christ need to be working in order to have the life of Christ manifest in us. The gifts need to be active in our lives in order for Christ to truly be alive in us! So, the amazing thing about being refreshed is that using our gifts actually refreshes us. We often have to position ourselves to serve in obedience to regain the energy we lose in daily life.
Freeing yourself!
We should also recognize that our negative emotions stop us from using our gifts in obedience to God. They can literally stop the flow of the life of Christ. Even though you "feel" a certain way you still need to decide what God is telling you to "do". Feelings are never the end of the issue, but often the thing that ends the flow of life within us. Christ teaches us not only how to deal with how we feel, but to align how we feel with what is real! In other words, you have to obey the truth no matter how you feel. Christ is there to help!
Following His lead!
Nothing is worse for spiritual creatures than being slaves to our feelings. Not only do they lie to us, but they can and do shut down the life of Christ in us. Jesus helps us manage our emotions so we always do the right thing spiritually. He keeps us in a position to have the life of God constantly flowing through us. We allow Him to help us by yielding to that guidance at every turn.
These days, I learn more by listening to and learning from Jesus directly, than I do from simply reading about Him. Now, not only do I know He is alive, but that He is alive in me!
Christ teaches us not only how to deal with how we feel, but to align how we feel with what is real!
Our Confession in Prayer!
Join us in the following prayer of unity under God:
"Lord Jesus, we know that you died to give us abundant life. In doing so you came to live inside of us. May we always make our hearts a welcome place for you, and may we learn daily how to yield to you more and more so your life can fill us.
Help us to manage our emotions in positive ways, learning daily how to remain obedient to your commands no matter how we "feel". Let us be renewed by the flow of your life in us as we use our gifts in accordance with your will.
Finally Lord, keep our hearts and our minds in a place of humble brokenness toward you so we always listen when you call and obey when you command. Thank you Lord for being both Lord and Savior!
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen!"