Out of Gas
Have you ever run out of gas? I know I have. In fact, I can remember more than once in the past that my vehicle has sputtered to a stop. Sheepishly staring at the gas gauge resting on “E”. What a horrible feeling, especially when it happens at an inopportune moment. No allotted time to remedy the situation. Sure, I drove right past the gas pump several times… but it was not my priority until the tank has run low. Obviously, I was not concerned.
If you think that filling my tank with gas earlier should have been my highest priority, you are correct. How long do you wait to fill up with gas? Cars nowadays tell you how many miles you can drive before the tank is empty. Do you wait until the low fuel light comes on, then become anxious knowing you need gas soon?
Spiritual Tank Low
Unfortunately, the same thing can happen to us spiritually. When we are full, there is not a care in the world. Hitting on all cylinders so to speak in our relationship with God. Then life happens, and the needle begins to drop. Down to ¾ full and we might be too busy to go to church. ½ gone, our bible study time gets put off until tomorrow. ¼ left, we might wake up too late for prayer time. People around us might need help, but our spiritual low tank light is now flashing, distracting us from helping them.
Just like the fuel tank in my vehicle, refueling is not a high priority until the low indicator light comes on. But when it does, I tend to worry about where I can get fueled back up. God is there to help. He will fill my spiritual tank when I grow weary (Matthew 11:28). He encourages me to place my priorities on Him instead of the world (Romans 12:2). I can keep my tank topped off by placing my trust in God (Romans 15:13). God wants all of us to keep our tank full. He doesn’t want us to stress out about the “low fuel” indicator light.
Fill Up With Jesus
Yes, Jesus wants this to be foremost on my mind. I can do this through church and Christian communities. By making my bible study a priority in my day. And not thinking twice about helping my neighbor. Jesus also wants me to keep my tank topped off with prayer. As He taught us to pray in Matthew 6:11, “Give us this day our daily bread.” He wants my heart and mind on cruise control with a full spiritual tank of faith. Then there is no stressing out as Jesus resets my priorities with His promise of eternal life, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:51).
Look at your fuel gauge today. Is it time to fill up?
Dear Lord, help set my cruise on spiritual priorities and my tank full of Your grace. Amen.
— Phil
If you like, check out these Daily Devotions
Today’s Scripture
Matthew 11:28
Come to Me, and I Will Give You Rest
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.
Romans 12:2
A Living Sacrifice
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 15:13
Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 6:11
The Lord’s Prayer
“This, then, is how you should pray:
‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.'”
John 6:51
I Am the Bread of Life
I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.