Is your tank full? 🔋

Healthy self-esteem starts with you and what’s inside of you. Most people only focus on their looks, but real health starts from inside. The Bible says, “‘A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.’” (Luke 6:45, NKJV) Have you ever heard the saying, “You are what you eat”? There’s a lot of truth to that, but I’d add this: “You are what you are full of.”

A few weeks ago, I borrowed my friend’s pickup truck. I was heading to a cabin in the mountains to rest and restore. It was a great trip, but on the way back to Las Vegas, I ran out of gas. I was stuck on the highway for over two hours waiting for help. I missed important appointments because I failed to put gas in the tank. I failed to notice the small light on the dashboard warning me the truck was running out of gas.

Have you ever missed life signals that you were running out of spiritual, emotional, financial, or relational strength? Many years ago, I burned out. I was this young graduate student starting two counseling centers and working on my day off. I’ll never forget being unable to sleep and unable to get out of bed. I had neglected four simple principles of life:

1. I can’t give what I don’t have.
2. It’s my responsibility to fill up my gas tank.
3. The Sabbath is a divine principle. God rested, and so should I.
4. I need to exercise several times a week.

Jesus revealed this principle: “‘Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.’” (Matthew 11:28-29, NKJV)

I’ve realized over the past 35 years of helping people and training leaders that I can easily get depleted, empty, tired, and distracted. I needed to develop a place and plan to refill my tank every week. Have you ever felt this way? Do you have a refilling place and plan?

Your friend, Paul Marc Goulet