Mental Fuel

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 NLT)

Many long distance runners rely on mid-run fuel--sports drinks, gels, energy bars, etc.--to get through the inevitable fatigue that sets in after hours of running. I recently heard a runner say that she also arranges for ‘mental fuel’ during marathon races. She knows that she has a tendency to feel discouraged about two-thirds of the way through her race; so, she asks one of her non-running friends to drive out and wait for her around the 17-mile marker, just to give her a hug. This emotional boost fuels her for the last part of the run.

We all have dark phases in life when we just want to quit. Exhausted and fearful, we limp along with a heavy heart. We need physical and mental fuel.

Even when we walk through the darkest valley, we need not be discouraged. God is always near. Look for Him. He is waiting with open arms.