The message explores Psalm 42 and the theme of spiritual exhaustion, focusing on what it means to be “all in” for God, even when life feels overwhelming. The speaker begins by reflecting on how Psalm 42 resonated deeply, as it expresses the longing for God during times of distress. The Psalmist describes a soul thirsting for God, much like a deer panting for water, illustrating a deep spiritual need that mirrors our own experiences when we feel spiritually drained.

The Reality of Feeling Drained

Life is full of highs and lows—some days feel vibrant and fulfilling, while others are mundane or outright difficult. Sometimes, even when life isn’t going badly, it can still feel exhausting. The speaker likens this to those long, draining days where nothing is catastrophically wrong, yet everything feels burdensome. These moments can leave us feeling spiritually parched, emotionally fatigued, and physically exhausted.

What Causes Spiritual Exhaustion?

The sermon identifies five key sources of spiritual depletion:

1. Work and Busyness – The demands of modern life, long work hours, and overwhelming responsibilities leave little room for spiritual renewal. Many people overwork to meet financial needs, particularly in expensive areas like the Bay Area, which adds to their exhaustion.

2. Emotional Stress and Anxiety – Life’s burdens, grief, overthinking, and sorrow can be emotionally draining. The Psalmist describes feeling overwhelmed by waves of hardship, which God sometimes allows to draw us closer to Him.

3. Isolation – Separating from community and fellowship is spiritually harmful. The enemy targets those who isolate themselves, much like a lion preys on an animal that strays from the herd. The Bible never calls us to handle things alone; rather, God provides support through His people.

4. Sin – Sin drains life from us because it separates us from God. The wages of sin is death, meaning that habitual sin robs us of the spiritual vitality that comes from walking closely with God.

5. Worldly Distractions – The world offers counterfeits that drain rather than fulfill: the lust of the flesh (false love), the lust of the eyes (materialism), and the pride of life (ego and self-sufficiency). These distractions leave us empty rather than spiritually nourished.

How to Overcome Spiritual Exhaustion

Despite feeling drained, we are called to remain “all in” for God. The Psalmist offers three key ways to overcome spiritual exhaustion:

1. Thirst for God – Just as our physical bodies need water to survive, our souls need God. Jesus spoke of being the “Living Water,” meaning that a deep relationship with Him can satisfy our spiritual thirst. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled.

2. Remember Past Deliverances – Looking back at how God has worked in our lives can renew our faith. The Psalmist recalls joyful times in God’s house, reminding himself that God has been faithful before and will be faithful again. Remembering God’s past faithfulness strengthens our trust in His current and future provision.

3. Rely on God’s Promises – Twice in Psalm 42 and again in Psalm 43, the phrase “Hope thou in God” appears. This hope is not a wishful thought but a certainty—trusting that God will sustain us. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that “they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” God doesn’t call us to overwork or burn ourselves out; He promises to renew and sustain us when we rely on Him.

God’s Strength in Our Weakness

The sermon concludes with an illustration of a runner in an Olympic race who collapses from exhaustion. As he struggles to finish, his brother steps in to support him, helping him cross the finish line. Similarly, when we are drained and feel like we can’t continue, God steps in to strengthen us. If God has given us a task—whether in our jobs, our families, or our ministries—He will also provide the strength to complete it.

Final Challenge: If you’re feeling drained, take whatever energy you have left—no matter how little—and give it to God. He can do more with your “18%” than you ever could on your own. Stay “all in,” even when you feel like you have nothing left, because God will sustain and restore you.

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