I walk through the door bone weary, head throbbing, searching for the nearest flat surface so I can sink into silence. I feel depleted, drained, tired in a way that makes my heart echo with emptiness.

Another day I walk through the door worn out but not worn down, ready for a nap but also ready to get up and go for it again, smiling even through the physical fatigue that tugs at every part of my body. My energy tank is empty but my heart is full.

One task depleted me–like a sugar crash after too much junk food.

The other filled me up–like a satisfying meal that makes you lean back in your chair and sigh with new strength.

Here’s the catch: both looked like great opportunities on the outside.

But one was not for me.

And the next time it came around, I turned down another helping. That’s hard for us as women {at least it is for me}. Saying “no” to what looks enticing and sweet even though we know it will ultimately not nourish us can be difficult to do. And yet discovering what truly feeds our hearts is essential.

“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish His work” {John 4:34}.

What God truly has for us to do on this earth will fill us up deep inside. Oh, yes, we will get tired sometimes along the way. We will have struggles and face obstacles. But what He has for us is not meant to leave us continually empty.

Be careful if you’re working hard “for God” and your heart feels hungry all the time.

Stop and ask Him, “Is this really, truly what You have for me? Have I taken in or taken on something You never intended?”

How do we even know what’s God’s will is?

Part of the process is that we are to “test and approve it” {Romans 12:2}. You might even say “taste and approve it” because just like your body knows what is good, your heart does too. But that only comes through experience.

So don’t be afraid to try what’s in front of you. Have a bite. Then see what happens.

Is it nourishing?

Soul filling?

Life giving?

Then have some more, my friend. But if it’s not, it’s okay to push the plate away or pass it on to someone else {because what feeds each of us is different}. You’ll know when you’ve found what you need. You’ll “taste and see that the Lord is good.” {Psalm 34:8}.

And what He gives is good for you.

“Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live.” {Isaiah 55:2-3}.

God offers something better than a busy, full life.

He offers life to the full.

XOXO

–Holley Gerth, author of You’re Made for a God-sized Dream

 

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