Sometimes I find myself doing the exact thing I counsel others not to do. For example, I will overextend myself and burn the candle at both ends trying to accomplish everything. When this happens, I get tapped out emotionally, mentally, physically and even spiritually…you can say I get burned out. While we all experience this to some degree from time-to-time, an extended period of burnout is paralyzing and can lead to stress, anxiety and overwhelming exhaustion. It affects our health and impacts others around us (just ask my wife). While sometimes, because of our circumstances, burnout is unavoidable, far too often it is a self-inflicted wound.
Perhaps today you are exhausted and feeling burned out at work. You have too much to do and not enough time to do it. You’ve overcommitted yourself and you’re trying to please everyone. What’s worse, you’re so tired you are no longer functioning effectively. It’s easy to do in this fast-paced and twenty-four-hour service culture! But, with God’s help we can overcome. Jesus said, Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). Isaiah writes He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will faint and become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
So, what are we to do when we are exhausted? First, be less self-reliant and more God-reliant. Draw near to Him and make your God-time a priority. Tap into His strength, power and peace by meditating more on His Word. He knows what you are feeling and He wants to renew your strength. That only happens when you focus more on His priorities and less on your own.
Practically speaking, take better care of yourself by eating healthy, getting regular exercise and adequate rest. Perhaps it’s even time to ask for help (at home, at work or perhaps with your doctor)! Your workplace challenge today is to rest in the promise of Psalm 23:1-3. The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing Honor to His Name (NLT). Take time to renew your strength for your good and for His Glory.