Running on Empty or Blindly?

In 1977, Jackson Browne sang the song Running on Empty. In his song, he was referencing a road trip when he wrote the lyrics “Running on, running on empty, Running on, running blind.” For some reason this song came to my mind this morning. It made me think about how some of us often approach our devotions…our time spent in God’s Word. We get out on our faith journey, neglect the Word or spend very little time in it, we have very little spiritual fumes to run on, and sometimes even approach our devotional time with God blindly. When tough times come, we take a peek at our spiritual gauge and it’s in the red. Uh oh, now what? 
In the Old Testament book of Jeremiah, the prophet Jeremiah shares some life experiences that were not pleasant, but even in those times and leading up to those times he was able to say this to the Lord in Jeremiah 15:16 (NLT) “When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies.”
When faced with tough times Jeremiah wasn’t running on empty, nor was he running blindly. Much like the Psalmist in Psalm 119 (see below), Jeremiah He hid God’s Word in his heart so he would have something to get him through such times. What about you? When faced with tough times, even seemingly good times, are you running on empty or blindly? Are you desiring to devour His Word? Do His Words bring you any kind of joy regardless of the situation you’re facing? Just something for each of us to chew on. 
Don’t know where to start? Let me encourage you to begin in John, Colossians, or James. Each of these are great places to start, but so are other books of the Bible. If you still feel stranded along the way, then please reach out…I’d love to encourage you in your walk with the Lord in any way that I can. 
Practicing His Presence,
Nate

Psalm 119:10-13 (NLT) 
10 I have tried hard to find you--
    don’t let me wander from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you.
12 I praise you, O Lord;
    teach me your decrees.
13 I have recited aloud
    all the regulations you have given us.