Energy

<<vigor, liveliness>>

“The joy of the Lord is my strength” (Neh 8:10). Paul declared, “I can only do my work effectively because God’s mighty energy is at work within me” (Col 1:29). By understanding God’s heart for humanity, we can confidently pray for the energizing of the Holy Spirit to accomplish through us His specific call on our life. Goals provide motivation and energy with enthusiasm being released as projects and activities are undertaken with zeal. With stamina and passion, life is much more enjoyable through increasing self-confidence as goals are set, worked at and achieved. Override the desire to quit and maintain the momentum to accomplish through faith and hard work.

We need positive mental attitudes and confession, vibrant faith and a belief that what we are doing is beneficial to humanity and will bear fruit for eternity. A goal to achieve provides the drive to push beyond our comfort zone to attempt what we consider is required. Stand on the truth of Scripture, "My heart and my flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and portion forever...The Lord is my strength..." (Ps 73:26, 118:14).

As we wait on God He revitalises our strength, as natural human stamina diminishes especially through ageing (Isa 40:29-31).

Sometimes we can be involved in too many projects or activities (all which may be worthwhile) but produce very little results to show for the energy outlaid. A better approach may be to focus on fewer things, enabling more concentrated focus with less distractions or conflicting demands. Fear,

Keep going by drawing on inner, God-given strength

uncertainty, fear, worry, bitterness, guilt, un-forgiveness, stress and other negative emotions or thoughts can sap one’s energy as does lack of adequate food, being physically unfit, insufficient sleep and strained relationships with God and man (Ps 31:10, 32:4). Deal with these self-focused, negative and life draining aspects so you can face each day with optimism and hope in God. Our capacity for work increases by freeing up positive energy as un-necessary and non-productive activities or thought patterns that drain our physical or emotional reserves are eliminated.

God's comforting words to Paul were, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor 12:9,10). Thereafter, he depended on divine enablement, saying when he was weak God's power was more than sufficient. Divine power shows up best when we admit our lack and in humility turn to Christ (Mt 11:28). Paul prayed for the believers that out of God's glorious riches they would strengthened with power through His Spirit in their being (Eph 3:16; Col 1:11). We are encouraged to give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord as we "Consider Christ who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (1 Cor 15:58; Heb 12:3).