Question 1

Why do I sometimes find myself weary and tired?

Accepted Answer

Isaiah 40:29-31He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.2 Corinthians 4:7We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.As human beings, we have limitations. We get hungry, tired, and hurt. We are not self-sufficient. Instead of relying on ourselves, we need to rely on the Lord. Like the eagle that soars on the currents of wind, we can trust the Lord to carry us onward.

Question 2

What causes our energy level to decrease?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 32:3-4When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.Jeremiah 9:3-5“My people bend their tongues like bows to shoot out lies. They refuse to stand up for the truth. They only go from bad to worse. They do not know me,” says the Lord. “Beware of your neighbor! Don’t even trust your brother! For brother takes advantage of brother, and friend slanders friend. They all fool and defraud each other; no one tells the truth. With practiced tongues they tell lies; they wear themselves out with all their sinning.”Our sins and others’ sins can wear away our feelings of hope and joy.Psalm 6:6I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears.Psalm 31:9-10Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. My body and soul are withering away. I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness. Sin has drained my strength; I am wasting away from within.Psalm 38:8I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart.Psalm 119:28I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.Luke 22:45At last he [Jesus] stood up again and returned to the disciples, only to find them asleep, exhausted from grief.Grief, sorrow, and anxiety can wear us out physically and spiritually.Proverbs 23:4Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit.Wasteful priorities and pursuits steal our energy.Psalm 69:3I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me.Psalm 119:81I am worn out waiting for your rescue, but I have put my hope in your word.Waiting for something can be tiring. Impatience can tire us out even more.Psalm 71:9Now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.Ecclesiastes 12:3Remember him before your legs—the guards of your house—start to tremble; and before your shoulders—the strong men—stoop. Remember him before your teeth—your few remaining servants—stop grinding; and before your eyes—the women looking through the windows—see dimly.We are human. Our bodies weaken with age.

Question 3

How can I find more energy?

Accepted Answer

Ephesians 6:7Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.When we work as though we are doing it for the Lord, the work becomes more meaningful. Remembering that we are representatives of Christ through our work can inspire us to do whatever we do with more enthusiasm and energy. Even the most monotonous task can become a way to honor him.Galatians 6:9Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.Realizing that our efforts will be rewarded by God helps us work with sustained energy.Philippians 3:13Dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,We will have more energy for today and tomorrow if we don’t waste energy focusing on the past.Ecclesiastes 10:10Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed.Wisdom energizes because it helps us discern the bigger perspective of what we are doing. Through wisdom, we can discern how to use our energy more efficiently.Exodus 18:17-23“This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him. Teach them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives. But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.”Listening to good advice equips us to work more efficiently and effectively. Accepting the help of others can lighten the load.Genesis 1:5God called the light “day” and the darkness “night.” And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day.Genesis 2:2On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work.Exodus 20:8-10“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.”Psalm 127:2It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.Jeremiah 31:25“I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.”God didn’t make us to work all the time. Setting aside times of rest renews us mentally, emotionally, and physically, thus giving us more energy for the work ahead.Matthew 6:25-27“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”Luke 12:25-27“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.”Isaiah 40:30-31Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.Worry saps our energy. Trusting in God frees us to spend that energy on better things.Mark 4:35-40As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”While the disciples wasted energy on fear and worry, Jesus rested, knowing his heavenly Father was in control. To truly rest, we must release our worries, trusting that God can keep the boat afloat without us.Hebrews 12:11-12No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.When we are confident we are following God’s will, that confidence can rejuvenate us. Pleasing God energizes us.Matthew 11:28-30Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”Jesus invites us to come to him for rest from the weariness of life, strength for the burdens of life, and instruction for the puzzles and problems of life.Philippians 4:13I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.We are limited, but knowing that Christ provides power and strength can help us endure life’s hardest trials, most difficult challenges, and toughest obstacles.

Question 4

Where should I spend my energy?

Accepted Answer

Mark 12:30“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.”Philippians 2:13God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.Loving God and obeying him should be the focus of our energies.Matthew 6:31-33“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ . . . Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”John 6:27“Don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”Jesus calls us to spend our energy seeking God’s perspective and priorities first. If we prioritize him, our other needs will fall into place.1 Timothy 4:7Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.We should spend our energy training to serve God.Acts 20:24My life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.1 Corinthians 15:58My dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.We should spend our energy accomplishing the work God has created us to do.2 Thessalonians 3:13As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.We should spend our energy doing good.2 Corinthians 12:15I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you, even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me.We should spend our energy on others’ well-being.

Question 5

How does God supply us with energy?

Accepted Answer

1 Chronicles 29:12Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength.Isaiah 40:28-31Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.God never makes mistakes, never grows tired, and never runs out of resources. He can easily provide for us in our need.Psalm 73:26My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.Colossians 1:28-29We tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.To entrust important matters to others’ control can be nerve-wracking. What if they fall through? We tend to trust our own hands best. But God’s strength is infinite and unchanging. Dependence on him is far more reliable than dependence on our own faltering wisdom, talents, and energy.2 Samuel 22:30In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.Habakkuk 3:19The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.Ephesians 3:16I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.Philippians 4:13I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.God is the wellspring of energy and strength. As we drink deeply, we will be energized.2 Samuel 22:40You have armed me with strength for the battle; you have subdued my enemies under my feet.Psalm 144:1Praise the Lord, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle.1 Peter 4:11Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.God arms and prepares us. Armed and energized by him, we can be confident in the face of challenges.Psalm 142:3When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me.God gives us direction and guidance. We can be more energized when we know where we are going.Jeremiah 31:25“I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.”Matthew 11:28-30Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”God gives our souls rest. God ordained rest to energize us.Nehemiah 6:9They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.Psalm 138:3As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.Psalm 143:4, 7I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear. . . . Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die.God listens to us and answers our prayers for strength. Prayer connects us with the source of all energy and encouragement.Isaiah 50:4The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will.God uses others in our lives to encourage us with his wisdom and understanding. We are energized by wise and godly people.

Question 6

How can we help others operating on low energy?

Accepted Answer

Ephesians 6:18Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.Colossians 1:11We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy.We can help others by praying for them and encouraging them to find power in the Holy Spirit.Psalm 27:14Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.1 Corinthians 15:58My dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.1 Corinthians 16:18They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.Galatians 6:9Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.1 Thessalonians 3:2We sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God’s co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith.2 Thessalonians 3:13As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.Hebrews 12:1-3Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.Encouragement is powerful. When someone is weary, we can encourage them that their efforts to honor Christ are worth the struggle.Isaiah 50:4The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will.We should seek God’s wisdom in comforting a discouraged friend. He can teach us how to listen and, when necessary, what to say.Exodus 17:12Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset.2 Samuel 17:28-29They brought sleeping mats, cooking pots, serving bowls, wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans, lentils, honey, butter, sheep, goats, and cheese for David and those who were with him. For they said, “You must all be very hungry and tired and thirsty after your long march through the wilderness.”Philippians 4:16When I [Paul] was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once.Physical and practical help can rejuvenate others both in body and in spirit.

Question 7

How does God expect me to pace my life?

Accepted Answer

Deuteronomy 5:12-14“Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your oxen and donkeys and other livestock, and any foreigners living among you. All your male and female servants must rest as you do.”Psalm 127:2It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.Jeremiah 31:25“I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.”A basic source of energy is regular rest. God has designed us to rest daily, weekly, and seasonally. That is why God gave us sleep and the Sabbath and ordained feasts and festivals for ancient Israel. Rest renews us mentally, emotionally, and physically, giving us more energy for doing our best work.

Question 8

What has God given me as a source of continual energy?

Accepted Answer

Ephesians 3:16I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.The Holy Spirit is the indwelling power of God in the believer. Once we yield control of our lives to the Lord, his power lives within us. The Spirit sustains us moment by moment.Habakkuk 3:19The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.Even as deer were created for traveling over difficult terrain with speed and grace, so God’s strength empowers us to journey through life’s circumstances with grace and confidence.

Energy