Saturday, May 2
When I am empty…
Philippians 3:13-14
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Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,
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I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Years ago, when I was a new driver, I drove a car that didn’t have an accurate fuel gauge. It would sometimes read full until the last mile and then, without warning, drop to empty. I learned to count the mileage and knew that when I had driven around 275 miles I needed to stop for gas and reset the counter.
One time, however, I stopped for gas and forgot to reset. About a week later, I was driving down a very busy road, and my fuel gauge dropped to empty. I looked at the counter, realized my forgetfulness, and immediately started looking for a gas station. It was too late. In the middle of crazy traffic, my car stalled. It was empty, my car was dead, and all I could do was sit and wait for help.
There have been days during the quarantine that have felt like that day on the side of the road. I have been fearful about what to do, I wasn’t sure how or where to get help, and I have felt completely overwhelmed. I’ve had nothing to offer others and certainly had nothing left for myself.
The good news is that when I am on empty, God’s Word is the perfect place for me to be filled up again. So whether I whisper a prayer, cry out to God, or turn on the flashers and start waving a flag, God fills my tank with his strength and truth. He never shames me for not watching my gauge or waiting too long. He welcomes me to his side with love and joy and fills me with peace.
Prayer:
God, when I am afraid and weary, I will come to you. I will trust that you are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. You will always renew me with your strength. Thank you for your unending love and the promise of your faithfulness.
