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| Courtesy of Morguefile.com |
Come away by
yourselves and rest awhile… Mark 6:30-32
Have you
ever felt worn out?
We run the
race in a fast paced world and often are forced to wear many hats. The demands we
face can deplete us unless we have a plan to rejuvenate from time to time. The
trick is to plan time to refresh ourselves before we begin to experience the
burn-out so prevalent in our culture.
I’ve been on
the brink one too many times. I don’t mean to let it get that far, but in my
own strength I think, ‘just one more day’. But, one more day can mean the
difference between strength and weakness. I’ve found it to be a false economy
because once I burnout, it can take weeks or even longer to regain my strength.
Jesus tells
the disciples in this passage, they need to rest. If you notice the events
leading up to this statement, they had been ministering non-stop to the crowds—feeding,
healing, delivering. And, it’s notable that though Jesus was God in the flesh,
He still took time to get away alone with the Father to pray. He spent time
alone before making big decisions. And, He was alone before beginning His
ministry.
It’s easy to
fool ourselves that we can do it alone. We can’t. John 15 tells us that we can
do nothing apart from Him. Because of this, He sent His Spirit to give us power
to be the witnesses He calls us to be (Acts 1:8). We need time in His presence
to fill our cup with the power He provides. We can’t give from an empty vessel.
It’s like letting our well run dry. It takes time to prime it again so it can
work to capacity. Jesus says He is the Source of Living Water that will
overflow our lives as we stay close to Him.
Jesus said, Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy
laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
I suggest a Getaway
with God from time to time. A getaway is easy
to plan and it will restore your soul and your strength.
Have you
struggled with burnout? How have you regained your strength?
Jeanne
For more information about burnout: signs, combating, take a look at his informative article.
Thank you for such a relevant and uplifting post.
ReplyDeleteI'm actually recovering from burn out right now. I'm unemployed (by my own choice) and just taking some time to decompress and decide what I want to do next. Everyone wants to know "What's your plan?" I hadn't realized it before, but you are right, there is a great pressure in our society to keep going, going, going. Even if we're exhausted or hate our job. Sometimes it's even hard for me to take a day to "do nothing".
ReplyDeleteI really like your blog!
Thanks for stopping in during your busy schedule and leaving a comment, Ang Momspot :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Oh, Grazona, have I been where you are!!!!! And the more we try to please the deeper we sink.
ReplyDeletePraying for you, my friend. Take some time seeing yourself through God's eyes...the One who says He delights in you!
Glad you enjoy the blog--feel free to sign up to get regular updates :)
Beautiful and uplifting post :)
ReplyDeleteVisiting from UBC
Thank you, Sugandha!! I appreciate you stopping by the Stream and sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteTwo things help me get away, Jeanne. Nature. Get me outside and I feel like I can take a bunch of deep breaths...and I begin thinking about our Creator. The other, odd as it sounds, is study. I'm taking a seminary class right now, and studying God's Word is bringing rest and peace to my heart.
ReplyDeleteA much-needed post, Jeanne!
Great suggestions, Laura. I am with you on the nature getaway. There is something peaceful being surrounded by His creation.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you in your study!