The Importance of Recharging
MUSIC BLOG
August 14, 2025
The Importance of Recharging
Hebrews 12:27-29
English Standard Version
27 This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.
Recently, I was part of a group from Cedar Falls that participated in a mission endeavor in Italy. It was a project that took months of preparation, coordination, and logistics to bring to fruition, with the final piece of the puzzle coming together in a church report and appreciation meal.
Often, the following week after a strenuous effort is anticlimactic. This week was true to form, with one exception. There was no downtime allotted. Monday, our Handbells were doing a bell demonstration for a local church’s music ministry. Tuesday was an extra rehearsal for an upcoming performance. Wednesday, I met with the children before prayer meeting to have a music time where we learned a song for the same performance. After I met with the children, there was a rehearsal with the adults that required me to be a my best form, and used a lot of energy. I have been fraught with feelings of tiredness and all that accompanies those feelings.
I felt my world shaken this week. Not in a negative way. Rather, it was shaken from activity and ministry demands. In the background of my ministry life is the personal “drama” of building a house, getting things notarized, and staking out the house on the property. All exciting and fun, but drama-filled, nonetheless. Where there is drama there is also so very much energy expelled. I find myself spent and lifeless. I’m tired.
Jesus was not a stranger to the demands of ministry. Mark 1:35 tells of Jesus’ practice of going out very early while it was still dark to pray. The preceding verses describe a time of great activity for our Lord. They tell of a time in Jesus’ ministry when He performed many healings and expelled many demons. The very next day, Jesus got up early before it was dark.
The demands of ministry are real. The demands of life are real. They wear us down. Life has a way of beating the life out of us. Jesus felt that. Jesus was fully human. We often fantasize that Jesus was somehow above the fray. We don’t acknowledge that He got tired or weary. While the Bible may not say a lot about how tired Jesus became, it does speak volumes about what He did to prevent burnout. “Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up He went to a lonely place and there He prayed.”
For our Lord, “me time” was truly “Time with God”. I’m sure that Jesus had some pointed words to say about the Pharisees, or His stubborn disciples, or a particularly mean demon. The fact is, Jesus spoke those words to His Heavenly Father. Jesus spoke to Someone who had answers and Someone who had compassion. Jesus also spoke to the One who would share His agenda. Jesus only did what He saw the Father doing. God shared what He was doing in those precious moments with His Son. God didn’t let Jesus continue working in areas that would overwhelm Him or drain His joy. Jesus knew that when He worked where God was working, He would have everything that was needed in that situation. How often are we working for God apart from where God is working? When we do that, we don’t have the assurance of His power, His presence, or His purpose. We only have the strength in our bodies, and when that’s gone, we are done.
Refueling and recharging is necessary for a Christian. It keeps us motivated and keeps us going. Maybe you’re going too long before recharging your battery. Why not take a moment now and plug into the One who is the source of life, joy, purpose, and contentment?? I bet you’ll be glad you did.
Blessings,
Marty