Replenish Yourself

In my entire time as a follower of Jesus Christ, I can clearly point to one decision that has impacted my spiritual life more than any other.

Many years ago, I was going through a period where I was feeling very unfulfilled in my walk. I was involved in plenty of ministry activities; using my spiritual gifts to serve others and felt that I was being obedient to God's calling. Yet somehow, I wasn't experiencing the joy and peace that comes with submission to His will.

Then one day at work, it hit me what was wrong. Staring me in the face was number 10 on a list that I look at every day entitled "Ten Things I Must Never Forget"---I cannot replenish myself without spending quality time every day with God. In my day-to-day routine, personal devotional time with God had become a hit-or-miss proposition instead of a life-sustaining daily necessity. That evening, I told my wife Cheryl that I was getting up a half-hour earlier every day to read, pray and spend time with God. She agreed and started doing the same as well. It was the jump start that both of us needed in our walk with the Lord.

Regular communication builds any relationship and it is essential to a strong relationship with God. In the morning, our minds are more free from problems and it allows us to commit the whole day to God. In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation...let all who take refuge in you be glad...that those who love your name may rejoice in you. (Psalm 5:3, 11)