In the old days (how I hate that expression) filling up your car’s gas tank was so different. First, you’d pull into a “service” station and a young lad would come out dressed in a white uniform and hat. His clothing was spotless, even though his job called for him to be a jack of all trades. He would quickly fill the gas tank, wash your windows and check your oil, while you sat in the driver’s seat and waited. You might even be able to get a glass or plate with the station’s logo on it. Today, an elderly woman must get out of the vehicle, find the right button to push to determine what kind of fuel she wants and how much she’s willing to pay. She will then get tangled in the hose and proceed to fill her own gas tank. Forget about the windows and checking the oil. By the time the tank is full, she has endured rain, wind, sleet or snow and frigid temperatures. In those same “old days,” gas was 25 cents a gallon and you got the service for nothing.

There’s a lot to be said for customer service, which seems to be non-existent these days. (Another over-used term.) We push through over-stocked grocery stores and try to squeeze every penny out of a meager budget. We opt for buying clothes, shoes, necessary items to get through life either online or in big stores which offer fairly good prices, but the only employees you see today are either checking you out (which you can also do for yourself) or stocking shelves. Today we’re paying higher prices for less services, but that seems to be the scenario of this age. We want things right now, at the best (cheapest) price, without all the frills. We’ve become engrained with the idea that we are independent and free to do for ourselves. There’s nothing wrong with that. Freedom and independence are what our country was founded on.

There are times in our existence when we need to be re-charged or filled up. Not with things physical things or emotional stuff, but those things that bring us closer to God. King Solomon realized the importance of this during his time on earth. He was dubbed the wisest man of his time. He had everything he needed in life and then some. As he reached his later years, he realized that all of those things were meaningless. All the stuff we collect over time has no real value. All the expensive trinket, trips, special concerts or events, are nothing but trappings for an empty life.

So where do we go when things get to be too much – when you feel completely overwhelmed, empty and drained? The best place to recharge might be to fill up with things that you truly enjoy. That could be a vacation – a walk in the woods – a short road trip or attending a special event. However, none of those things compares with spending time with God. Maybe just finding a space where you can be alone – away from all the noise can be enough to fill ‘er up. The book of Isaiah is filled with promises from God, that He will be with us throughout this walk of living. He will lift us up, encourage, inspire, take away our anxiety and depression. He gives the best to those who place Him first in their journey. Even when it doesn’t seem like it – He is there. God is always there.

Isaiah 41:10 – “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you. I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”