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<\/p>\nMy bride and I have begun to identify and communicate aspects of our lives which replenish as well as those which deplete us. Inspired by a friend, we call them \u201cgainers\u201d (gives energy) and \u201cdrainers\u201d (takes away energy). This practice has helped us to be more intentional about seeking to fill our souls, as well as brace for, and avoid if possible, those things which drain us.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re noticing an overall improvement in our mood, especially as we work together. We\u2019ve found activities, like walking outside and extended quiet times which are mutual gainers. We\u2019ve also discovered that what might be a drainer for one (wrapping presents for me, doing the dishes for her) could be a gainer for the other. Identifying these things, and taking on the drainers of the other, is allowing us to communicate more deeply and support each other in ways we wouldn\u2019t have discovered otherwise. Recently, we took on a mutual drainer (Walmart, in the cold rain, right before Christmas). <\/p>\n
Acknowledging the shared experience, and jokingly coaching each other through, almost<\/em> turned that drainer into a gainer. I\u2019m also bringing my feelings of depletion to the Lord. Rather than ignoring and stuffing how I feel, I\u2019m asking Him to bring truth to the areas which tend to drain my courage and cause dis-courage-ment.<\/p>\n Lately, I\u2019ve become aware of an increasing amount of anger and hatred in the world. It seems see a lot of people are in pain and hurting people hurt others. Relational pain can be accentuated during the holidays and be very draining.<\/p>\n Another drainer can be our current circumstances compared to how we thought our lives would turn out.<\/p>\n Following are a couple of truths to bring courage to our hearts when we feel depleted.<\/p>\n On the night before He gave up His life to reconcile us into intimate fellowship with the Father\u2019s love, Jesus said, \u201cJust as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in my love.\u201d (John 15:9)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Paul tells us we\u2019re complete, filled to the brim in Christ.[1]<\/a> God\u2019s love for us fills every crevice of our longing hearts.<\/p>\n When people treat us in hurtful ways, deserved or not, it can be a real heartache. We can deny the pain or try and numb it, but these copings never work. We need to tend to our hearts. <\/em><\/p>\n Ponder the love of God which surpasses knowledge. Accept by faith that God delights to be with you. Allow the Joy of His nearness to soothe and comfort your heart; the Oil of Gladness to replenish what was lost.<\/em><\/p>\n As believers in Jesus Christ, Paul tells us we died and our life is now hidden in Christ.[2]<\/a> One implication of our spiritual death is that more and more we\u2019re surrendering what we want to what Christ wants for us. He wants us to be conformed into His image[3]<\/a> and that God be glorified in every word and deed of our lives.[4]<\/a><\/p>\n When circumstances are rough, we can feel depleted. But God has an eternal story for each of us. He\u2019s working, especially in the hard times, to help us realize He\u2019s all we need. This knowledge can turn circumstantial drainers into eternal gainers.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/strong>Prayer: <\/em><\/strong>Lord, thank for Your unconditional, eternal love for us. Please destroy all lies which hide this amazing fact from us. Allow us to walk around in the completeness of Your love, no matter how we feel. Thank You that you have an eternal story going on for each of us, plans which can\u2019t be thwarted. You desire for us to delight in You above all things. Thank You for not allowing us to settle for earthly happiness. In Your presence is fullness of joy.[5]<\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n <\/strong>[1]<\/a> Colossians 2:9-10<\/p>\n [2]<\/a> Colossians 3:3<\/p>\n [3]<\/a> Romans 8:28-29<\/p>\n [4]<\/a> I Peter 4:11<\/p>\n [5]<\/a> Psalm 16:11b<\/p>\n Joy in the Journey is about the gladness of God\u2019s nearness in the midst of life\u2019s adventures. Subscribe below to get email notifications of new posts. We post once a week. Thank you for reading. <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Novels by the Author:<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/emoticon-2643813__480-e1577670818504.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWe\u2019re Completely Loved by Christ<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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<\/em><\/p>\nOur Life is Hidden in Christ<\/strong><\/h5>\n