Burnout is not a path toward gaining God's favor
As we focus on those areas in our lives that have the potential for burnout it is very important we understand what the writer of Hebrews 10:22 had to say, “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”
That guilty conscience is what drives us to do more and give more and have less and less time in our own lives, which only fuels burnout.
Paul writes in II Corinthians 5:21, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Since Jesus took our sin on the cross, we have become the righteousness of God. With this being true, we do not have to work and burn ourselves out to gain God’s favor.
Proverbs 23:4 states, “Do not weary yourself to gain wealth. Cease from your consideration of it.” With the book of Proverbs encouraging us not to weary ourselves, that is more direction that will help prevent burnout. Because of grace we don’t have to weary ourselves in ways that would create burnout.
Burnout can take many different forms
When stress continues to increase it has the potential to turn into burnout. Burnout can take many different forms.
One example is withdrawing. A person begins to withdraw from relationships and it becomes very noticeable.
Burnout can cause us to feel “drained.” This causes us to avoid important and necessary tasks and meetings. We simply don’t have the energy to go to the meetings or do the tasks that are necessary for daily life.
Another place burnout shows up is in irritability. When a person feels burnout they are less likely to be open minded and consequently more irritable.
Burnout can create family problems. Because a person is not feeling like his or her normal self, they are more likely to upset family members.
Help for burnout found in Matthew 11
It is good news to hear that there is help for burnout. Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Overcoming burnout will make it possible to do what Paul says in Romans 12:11-17, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.”
Action Point: It is important for each of us to maintain our strength in Jesus by focusing on Him and His word. Allow the Holy Spirit to moderate your life to help prevent burnout.
Tom Russell, Heritage Christian Counseling Ministries founder and counselor.
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Overcoming burnout leads to joy, faith, harmony, peace and strength
