God has called each of us to serve others with gladness with our unique abilities and purpose. While we serve in ministry, our careers, or families, there are seasons where exhaustion overwhelms us and we struggle to experience joy because of burnout. We are the reliable, dependable ones who always show up and get the job done. How is our “yes” affecting our overall physical, mental, and emotional health? When we are more intentional to make the necessary adjustments to pause and recharge with God’s renewal, we can live with greater purpose and peace.
As we move forward in 2021 to accomplish our God-given assignments, here are 5 ways to live a life poured out, not burnt out.
Photo Credit: © Aaron Amat
1. Create Stronger Boundaries
Contrary to popular belief, serving God and others should not come at the expense of our physical, mental or spiritual well-being. A lot of my personal burnout has come when I’ve been stretched too thin and have not been willing to say “no” to tasks that have become draining. Sound familiar?
When we begin to create stronger boundaries in our lives, it frees us up to focus on being filled up with God’s renewal. Our balance is restored and we can regain more clarity with where our energy should go to further live out our God-given purposes.
It’s a lie of the enemy to believe that we can be all things to all people. We are to move forward in faith and lean on God to provide all the resources and support we need. “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Today, I invite you to give yourself permission to create stronger boundaries with your time, energy, and relationships. As you courageously do so, you will begin to replace burnt out with renewal.
2. Be Filled with God’s Renewal Each Day
As we continue to serve God each day, what are we being filled with to sustain us? To live a life continually poured out, we have to actively be filled and renewed with God’s word, wisdom, and strength. When we operate within our own strength, we are exhausted, overwhelmed and serving from an empty cup. Burnout consumes us and resentment can set in if we are not intentional about being filled with the sustaining and uplifting presence of God daily.
“Therefore, repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). Our feelings and flesh are fleeting and must be filled with spiritual sustenance to strengthen us. Staying connected with God through daily prayer, devotion, gratitude, and worship fills our spirit when we want to give up, and renews our minds when we are weary.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/VitezslavVylicil
3. Say “No” to What Is Weighing You Down
When we move forward in faith and aim to live a less burnt-out life, we should practice saying “no” to the things and relationships that weigh us down. To exchange our anxiety for God’s peace, we have to surrender our fears and worries trusting that God will give us the wisdom and courage needed to let go of things that are draining us. John 10:10 states that “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
In order to fully live out the abundant life that Christ intended for us to, we have to learn how to minimize distractions and things that attempt to steal our joy. No person is an island and it is essential that we ask for support to help carry our load. We continually are overwhelmed because we are wanting to "do it all" and please everyone. Newsflash: Our number one goal is to please God and not people. God is not looking for perfection, but He is looking for us to trust Him more with our whole hearts and lives. Pray to God for courage and wisdom to help you let go and surrender over the relationships or things that are weighing you down.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Erstudiostok
4. Exchange Routine for Refreshing
Life is routine, and at times, can stifle our desire to maintain joy. Amidst the ongoing routine and responsibilities that each day brings, it is essential that we seek to receive God’s refreshing for our souls. Oftentimes, we are so used to operating on autopilot to complete our to-do lists and ensure that everyone around us is taken care of, but God wants to strengthen our souls for the long haul. Maintaining joy and God’s refreshing is not something we can do by ourselves, but is directly related to us staying connected to God. As we make more time to be filled with God’s word and presence, our daily routines will be renewed and refreshed with God’s spirit.
5. Remember Your True Identity Is Found in Christ
Our true and authentic identity is solely found in Christ. While God calls us to serve Him in many capacities, our lasting fulfillment comes from who we are in Christ. We will never have lasting fulfillment apart from Christ. We are in a constant pursuit of wanting more and not having contentment. In our endless pursuits of wanting more recognition, followers, opportunities, and understanding, we lose sight of what is most important: our identity in Christ. God is more concerned about who we are than what we do.
If you have been running on empty and are continually burnt out, there is good news! God is calling you back closer to Him with love and devotion. Today, I invite you to be refreshed and renewed with God’s word, create stronger boundaries, say “no” to things that are weighing you down, and remember your true identity is in Christ. God will continue to use us as vessels who are filled and strengthened by God and are able to serve His people with more courage, conviction, and peace.
Photo Credit: © Unsplash/Emma Simpson
Originally published Wednesday, 27 January 2021.
