By Rick Warren
“You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands” (Psalm 119:73 NLT).
Many of us are just too tired to love. We want to build deep relationships with those we care about, like family and friends. We want to love people in our community who are hurting. But we’re just too tired. You can’t love when you’re tired.
What happens to your relationships when you’re out of energy? Little issues become big problems and love withers. It takes physical energy to listen to people and put their needs first. I’m convinced that many married couples could avoid spending time with a divorce lawyer if they spent a little more time with a mattress salesman or a personal trainer.
The Bible mentions three habits that will refresh you physically and give you the strength to love others.
1. Get regular rest. “It is senseless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, fearing you will starve to death; for God wants his loved ones to get their proper rest” (Psalm 127:2 LB). Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap. Too tired to love your spouse and kids? Your problem isn’t spiritual, it’s physical. Get some sleep!
2. Eat a balanced diet. “You made my body, Lord; now give me sense to heed your laws” (Psalm 119:73 LB). God made your body to use a certain combination of foods as its energy source. Eating right will help give you the energy you need to love more faithfully.
3. Exercise regularly. “…Honor the Lord with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:20 NIV). Our bodies were made for activity. In biblical times they didn’t have to exercise. People walked everywhere. They did physical work. But we have a sedentary life and drive everywhere we go. We need to exercise regularly.
“You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands” (Psalm 119:73 NLT).
Many of us are just too tired to love. We want to build deep relationships with those we care about, like family and friends. We want to love people in our community who are hurting. But we’re just too tired. You can’t love when you’re tired.
What happens to your relationships when you’re out of energy? Little issues become big problems and love withers. It takes physical energy to listen to people and put their needs first. I’m convinced that many married couples could avoid spending time with a divorce lawyer if they spent a little more time with a mattress salesman or a personal trainer.
The Bible mentions three habits that will refresh you physically and give you the strength to love others.
1. Get regular rest. “It is senseless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, fearing you will starve to death; for God wants his loved ones to get their proper rest” (Psalm 127:2 LB). Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap. Too tired to love your spouse and kids? Your problem isn’t spiritual, it’s physical. Get some sleep!
2. Eat a balanced diet. “You made my body, Lord; now give me sense to heed your laws” (Psalm 119:73 LB). God made your body to use a certain combination of foods as its energy source. Eating right will help give you the energy you need to love more faithfully.
3. Exercise regularly. “…Honor the Lord with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:20 NIV). Our bodies were made for activity. In biblical times they didn’t have to exercise. People walked everywhere. They did physical work. But we have a sedentary life and drive everywhere we go. We need to exercise regularly.
