Jesus Guarded His Energy
By Taylor Fiddyment
There are countless opportunities for our energy to be drained throughout each day; an “energy leak,” (gross)… Whether it is a general distraction or specific people, Jesus was no stranger to this aspect of life . He is seen regularly retreating from even His closest friends and family to be with God. Even though He was the closest one could get to the Father while He was on earth, He still had to rest, refill, and use His energy wisely (very aware of its limits).
As a 90% extrovert on the Meyers Briggs, I despise being alone and doing things solo. And it even drains me! I feel so energized around people, and when I am alone for more than 1 day, I feel exhausted and unmotivated to even wash a single spoon or make a cup of tea. But Jesus’ example has been an inspiration for me to explore the value of that time of rest. Throughout that exploration, here are some things I’ve observed...
My pride is my biggest energy leak. It is what prevents me from actually sitting with the source of my energy. It drives a wedge between me and my community because it says I don’t need any help. It muddles my thoughts and makes me less efficient at the things I spend my energy on. It makes it harder to focus on what is important and pressing into my calling because I am consumed with preserving my fragile pride.
When I am healthy and humble, I am quick to run to the presence of my Father, embracing my need for Him to replenish my flimsy fire. We know from scripture that He is the source of rest and energy. (Jesus invites those who are weary to come and rest when He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
The wise man in Proverbs advises his student to, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” We need to guard it, or more accurately trust God to defend our heart from itself. My own heart is regularly the cause of lost energy. On their own, hearts are much like cracked clay pots. The cracks often facilitate slow leaks, but a leak all the same. And the slower the leak, the easier it is to ignore, and before you know it, the pot is empty and you're thirsty as a fish in the Sahara.
Jesus is the ultimate example of how to power up in the midst of pouring out. Regularly He is seen retreating into secluded places to commune with God. It is clear that He does this to recharge and stay centered on His mission. This time allowed Him to discern where and when to invest His energy when He could easily have been swept up in the constant politics and legalism of those conspiring for His failure.
As will all other areas of life, His example in this area of life is to be emulated as diligently as possible. Lately, with the chaos of the new school year and a new job and new roommates and new perspectives, morning yoga and meditation has become a staple. I’m far from perfect at it. But when I engage there, it acts as that time in the “garden,” tuning in to God's agenda for the day and intentionally setting down my own, asking Him to fill the cracks of my heart with His Holy Spirit and overflow His living refreshment onto all those around. Amen.