We had to replace our home phones. They were the standard cordless phones. And we had them for no less than eight years. But they started to give us problems about a month ago. The batteries were not recharging properly anymore. The charge wouldn’t last long. And so, extended conversations over the phone would always be in danger of being cut. It was becoming a common occurrence that the phones would “die” in the middle of a call. Communication through the home phones was severely hampered.
The analogical value of this experience for a spiritual lesson came to me through my wife, Grace. She shared an insight—which I now pass on to you—on how our communication with God is often compromised when we do not take the time to recharge our souls. Either we push ourselves to the limit of unending activity—even ministry—until we are spiritually drained, or when we do pause we do not properly reconnect to the source of true life. In the process we fail to hear accurately the voice of God. And the service that we offer him is weakened or our witness to the gospel is undermined.
A pastor of a mega-church was once asked what was the most difficult part, the greatest challenge, of his ministry. The inquirer was expecting some reference to the multitude of pastoral responsibilities that come with leading a large church. The pastor’s answer: setting aside time to rest in the Lord and receiving the Lord’s refreshing and renewal. He knew that it was so easy to be distracted by the drive to excel in the performance of his pastoral duties. But the more important task was to nurture his relationship with the Lord. Recharging his soul was the one important task that really mattered for it would affect everything else.
As I was finishing the first draft of this article, my laptop suddenly shut down! I forgot that I was on battery mode … and my battery died. It was not fully charged. And I lost what I was writing at that moment. But it was another forceful reminder to recharge regularly.
It’s been more than two weeks since I preached on the matter of intentionally and properly honoring the Sabbath rest. I just wonder whether anyone who heard it has taken specific steps toward making it happen. It is for your good. Recharge your soul!
—Keith Y. Jainga