Sometimes it’s the simplest moments that reveal how close God really is. Maybe it’s the way a friend gently steps in when you’re overwhelmed, or the warmth you feel after setting aside time just to be with God. Last week, we looked at the wild, unshakable nature of God’s love. This time, we’re looking at how we can keep that love strong in our everyday lives—without feeling worn down or burnt out.

Many of us find life pulling us in all directions. Even taking a single day to slow down and pay attention to God’s voice can feel like a luxury. Yet, stepping away from the noise, even briefly, can reorder our hearts. Some people think you have to be in full-time ministry to take a personal retreat with God. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Whether you serve in a church, work in an office, or care for family at home, making room for retreat with the Lord helps us remember what matters most. God’s love is more than a passing feeling—it’s a strong current that keeps us upright and moving forward, even when we feel frail.

This love is unshakable, wild, and all-consuming. It’s fierce enough to handle every broken place, yet gentle enough to keep from consuming us. It reminds us of a lantern’s flame that won’t go out, no matter how windy it gets. But that flame requires fuel. When a lantern runs out of oil, the flame flickers and dies. We’re the same way. Our hearts carry a holy spark, and the Holy Spirit provides the oil that keeps us burning. If we feel cold or distant, it might be time to pause and let the Spirit refill us with fresh insight and closeness to God. We don’t have to worry about fuelling the flame by ourselves, because the Holy Spirit brings the oil. Our part is to be open—to say “yes” when He nudges us to slow down, to rest, or to face something we’ve been avoiding.

Sometimes we think of fire as destructive, but in God’s hands, it refines us without destroying who we are. Like Moses encountering the burning bush, we notice a flame that burns brightly but doesn’t consume. We might worry that God’s love will overwhelm us, but in truth, it strengthens us for whatever lies ahead. When we slow down enough to be honest about our struggles—whether it’s old fears, frustrations, or a desire to be in control—His love sweeps in to heal and reshape us.

You might wonder, “Why is this love so powerful that it can’t be quenched, yet it doesn’t swallow me up?” The answer is found in who God is. In the very beginning, when Adam and Eve broke that perfect relationship, He didn’t storm off. He came closer, provided for them, and walked with them even though everything had changed. That same tender care is ours today. When we pour out our love and feel rejected, our normal response is to pull away or strike back. But God keeps moving toward us with love, reminding us that no hurt, no fear—nothing at all—can separate us from His grace.

Jesus took this further by calling Himself the light of the world and then telling us we’re light too. That can feel intimidating, as if all our flaws are under a spotlight. But a lantern doesn’t make people look at the lantern itself. It reveals what’s around it. When God’s love works through us, we shine on the goodness He’s doing in the world and highlight places where people need extra care. Sometimes it’s as simple as being a listening ear. Other times, it means stepping into messy situations, carrying hope for those who feel forgotten.

Yes, God’s love is powerful enough to feel like a blazing fire, but it’s not here to destroy us. Instead, it refines us, much like Moses’ burning bush—fully aflame but never reduced to ashes. There can be pain in the process, especially when old wounds or uncomfortable truths come into the light. Still, God’s promise stands: we won’t be consumed. His love lifts us up, renewing our hearts and teaching us how to love others in ways we never thought we could.

So, how do we make room for this love without burning out? It comes down to saying “yes” to Him in the small decisions. Maybe that’s leaving your phone behind for half an hour while you sit quietly. Maybe it’s a one-day retreat to read Scripture and pray. Or maybe it’s just whispering, “Okay, God, I’m listening,” when your mind starts to race. These small steps fan the flame of love inside you and keep you burning bright, ready to share His goodness with the world around you—no spotlight required.

Ask yourself a few questions this week:

• Where do I sense God gently nudging me to slow down?

• What might I be carrying that He’s inviting me to set aside?

• How can I welcome the Spirit’s oil so that my heart doesn’t burn out?

By taking these small steps, we place ourselves in God’s loving hands. His love won’t fade, and it never fails to renew us when we wait on Him. May we keep our flames burning bright—trusting His kindness to guide us, heal us, and shine through us in a world that needs more light.