No need to run on empty..................

I just can't get enough of the encouraging messages from the 'Word for Today.'  It is part of my five a day ...... just add my husband and kiddies and my daily ration is complete!  It always hits the right spot although it is no substitute for the Book itself.  Well today my words of encouragment came from another precious source my sis Comfort who also always hits the right spot when it comes to uplifting words and prayers of affirmation.  Today's message was about surrounding yourself with people who build you up and lift your spirits when you feel emotionally drained and I feel I have most certainly experienced that this week.  In fact let me share the whole message with you.


When you're emotionally drained and under pressure, you're vulnerable to making serious mistakes. Samson did. Notice how Delilah brought him down: 'She prodded him day after day until he was tired to death. So he told her everything...' (vv. 16-17 NIV). You can attend church every week and read your Bible from cover to cover, but it will do you little good if you're running around physically and spiritually depleted. Furthermore, it's hard to live with such a person, and almost impossible to help them because their mind is in the grip of a negative force. You say, 'What's the answer?' 1) Examine the company you're keeping. When you need rest and relief go to the right people; when you're feeling down, reach for those who can lift you up. The Psalmist said, 'I am a friend to all...who follow your precepts' (Psalm 119:63 NIV). 2) Check your fuel gauge. Samson wore himself out in a good cause because he failed to replenish his soul. Are you doing that? One New Year's Day during the Tournament of Roses parade in California, a beautiful float suddenly sputtered and quit-out of petrol. The whole parade was held up until someone found a petrol can. The funny thing is, this float represented the Standard Oil Company. The Bible says, 'He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak' (Isaiah 40:29 NIV). As you spend time with God in prayer and the Scriptures, He will strengthen you and give you back your peace and stability. It's the ultimate therapy. It's also the ultimate protection!
UCB Word for Today

It is so important to remember that God does not expect us to be an island, carrying the load alone.  Instead he wants us to seek strength from the like minded and it has certainly made a difference to my frame of mind so I encourage you to do the same when you find yourself in a similar situation.  God's grace is sufficient for me and you and comes to us when we most need it, when our fuel guage is running on empty and I am thankful today (day 188).