The other day I was filling up our truck with gas and as I selected the type of fuel I wanted and waited for the tank to fill, it dawned on me that our minds are just like a gas tank. In order to “go” each day, we as humans need to fill our tanks with gas. No matter how fancy or broken down, how big or how small, we all need the same thing: FUEL. What are you fueling your tank with?
This world gives us lots of options when it comes to fuel. We can look to things like money, fame, worldly accomplishments, prestige, titles, social media, etc to fuel our minds. But if there’s anything I’ve learned in the last year of my life, it’s that nothing satisfies me more than time spent with the Lord. Nothing fills my tank more than His presence. He is the best and purest type of fuel. If I don’t have time with Jesus every single day, I can’t run my race and be the best version of myself.
In the past, my first priority of the day was usually to work out. I wanted to get up early, get it done as fast as possible, and then if I still had time before the kids woke up I’d squeeze in a devotional or maybe a quick five minute prayer. Then I’d go about my day. And while there isn’t necessarily anything wrong with that, it sure didn’t do much to deepen my relationship with the Lord.
But over the last year, I’ve realized that my priorities and choices had to change if I wanted God to change me.
I needed to invest energy and time into my relationship with Him if I wanted Him to renew my mind and fill me with joy, courage, energy, peace, etc. I had to start filling my tank with Him before anything else. So about 9 months ago I made the habit to wake up early to read my Bible and pray before starting my day. And slowly over time, that newfound routine has a been life changing. It’s made me better. Every day I put that time in I feel like I learn something new and exciting about God. That’s when He plants truth in my mind. And if I don’t have that early morning quiet time, I just don’t feel as good. Things don’t run as smoothly. And then it’s easy for me get distracted with worldly things or become more vulnerable to believing lies from the enemy.
I definitely don’t have everything figured out–I still struggle and I’m still learning. There are still days where I feel so far from who I want to be and I can easily get discouraged. But I’m also learning that a life changing relationship with the Lord is more about endurance than perfection. I don’t have to be perfect, I just have to keep going and keep chasing Him every single day.
He is our power source and the only fuel we need.
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
Love this! ❤️Such a good analogy. I’ll think of it every time I need to“fill my tank”. God bless your day!
I love this
Thank you so much for sharing this!
Wow Sarah, you are speaking directly to me. This is where I am. “Squeezing” in time for God. Rushing through. This gives me motivation to carve out uninterrupted time with the Lord. He has been talking to me and I have good intentions, but fall short. I appreciate you sharing your story of faith. You are authentic and brave.
Love this. I start my day with my devotional. I need to start writing down my prayers. My mom passed away last week and she was an amazing Godly woman. Looking through her house, she has scriptures everywhere, notepads full of prayers and encouraging words. I want to live like her – for Him!
I love this! I’m so much like you and will work out first and then squeeze in some time with Jesus but there is such a difference…an impact… in my day when I take time for Him first. Blessings!