Ever get that feeling that you’re running on empty? There isn’t a single mom I’ve talked to in the last month who hasn’t said she feels exhausted most of the time and pulled in ten different directions. With family, career, and volunteer responsibilities, there truly doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day.

Sometimes we are our own worst enemies, feeling we simply can’t say no to someone’s request to volunteer for another committee when our schedules are already out of control. It doesn’t help that it seems our kids must be involved in numerous sports and other extra-curricular activities in order to be well-rounded and successful in the future. Always have to be thinking of good stuff to put on college applications when the time comes. Oh, and if Betty down the street is baking five dozen of her delicious cupcakes for the church bake sale there is pressure that you have to come up with at least the same amount of goodies or you might be seen as unsupportive (though it’s likely no one would give it another thought).

Where does it end?

It ends by finding the peace we can only discover when we stop and focus on God. It’s when we’re distracted that we are most vulnerable and Satan can take us down a different road. When we are consumed with the busyness of life, we stop letting God steer the car and  tug the wheel in the opposite direction–even if we can’t see where we are going.

I can’t tell you how many times this has happened to me: I’ve allowed the busyness of life to take over. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober and watchful, because your adversary the devil walks around as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (MEV)  Is whatever I have going on in my busy life worth that risk?

This is just one reason I’ve made spending time in the Word a priority this year. Technology is helping with that. The Bible App on my iPhone is a real lifesaver. The devotional plans allow me to stop my busy day and focus on God and His Word. It’s been such a blessing. It’s also invigorating–a great pick me up when I’m feeling a little low.

What do you do to avoid running on empty? Do you use The Bible App? Do you have a favorite reading plan?