When I was lethargic, low on energy, or just feeling the blahs, I would watch TV, putter around the house, or waste my time in other ways. In the back of my mind, though, I knew there was spiritual power waiting for me if I wanted it. Unfortunately, I kept taking the easy way out. I decided to do something different and seek God for a recharge. But how?
As Christians, we have extra resources that aren’t open to the average person: the life and power of God available to us by virtue of our position in Christ. Isaiah mentioned a promise of renewal and hints at the process: “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). Sounds like something I could use!
How is this done? The process, if we may call it that, isn’t much different than that of devotions. Instead of being passive, our faculties of mind, soul, body, and will are engaged in the process of renewal. In 1 Samuel 30:6, “David strengthened himself,” and we can do the same. The following is a suggested course of action that can be shortened or lengthened as needed. The whole point is to turn away from the “me, myself, and I” mentality and look to God alone to find strength to go on. Without Him, we can do nothing. If we are feeling lethargic, lacking strength or motivation to do what’s important, then acknowledging that is a good starting point for turning to Him in genuine need.
To begin with, we put the Lord first in thoughtful and heartfelt worship, encouraging ourselves that He is over all the situation. He has it in control. Nothing is too hard for Him. If a songbook is not available, use the book of Psalms, such as Psalms 23, 24, 27, 34, 45, 46, 47, 65, 118, 121, 138, 139, 145, 147-150. Use any of these as a kickstart for lifting God above you and your world.
Have a time of confession and repentance. The Psalms are excellent examples of a person of God who is totally transparent with God and brutally honest with himself. Sin blocks the working of God in us, so in this time we sincerely deal with any outstanding issues. Then we remind ourselves of the resurrection power of the gospel. We confess any mindset we have about the lethargy or stress that are not the mind of Christ. We make decisions about rejecting sinful conduct, and take a stand against it. We put on a forgotten piece of the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20) where necessary if we see the work of the enemy against us.
The Lord works mightily in those who are surrendered to Him, so we give Him all we are and have as living sacrifices. We then ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with power and wisdom to do His will, just as the glory of God consumed the burnt offering in Leviticus 9:22-24. “Not my will but Yours be done” is our state of mind.
Ask for help with the special needs you and others have in your trial, and thank Him for His assistance. The Psalms are full of David pouring his heart out to the Lord with a full range of emotion. But then again, David had entire flesh-and-blood armies hunting him down. He could not afford to be lethargic. Our enemies are all around, especially the world, the flesh, and the demonic. Knowing that God wants to form you into a bride for His Son and rule with Him in His kingdom, how should you feel about your enemies that want to deny you this privilege?
We go over memory verses or marked passages in the word to remind ourselves of God’s warnings against the way of destruction and promises to keep us in the path of righteousness. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Jesus’ words are spirit, and they are life, so marvel that God employs written words, with the Spirit adding life to them as they enter our hearts. Let the passages remind us of the way we should live. Put on the mind of Christ. Put off the old ways and put on the new.
Finally, tarry for a bit to allow the Lord to give you any extra direction; wait on the Lord: “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”
When finished, we tell Him, “Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever.” It’s not about you any more.
With these steps, we recover the Lord’s perspective of the situation. We are calmed. We have received some clarity and cleared out old baggage. We have received mercy and grace from on high to face the day.
Our times of devotions and studying are not just for morning or evenings, but for any time we need renewal and refreshment.
