The Spiritual Fitness ManualSample

First Responder Self-Care—Avoiding Burnout: Part 3

By Reverend Hillary R. Bercovici, PH.D, Former NYC-EMS Paramedic, NYC Disaster Chaplaincy Services Volunteer

Humility: 

• Come to God honestly and humbly, without defensive self-inflation or unnecessary self-degradation (neither represents true humility).

• Expect God to meet and bless you in that place of honest humility: 

• Run your life as if it now belongs to someone else.

• Be on guard for yourself and review your life regularly. 

• You are just as prone to wandering off on your own as anyone.

Stay alert spiritually: 

Remember that you are just as prone to being led astray as anyone.

It goes without saying that very little of this can be sustained over time without a regular and fresh infusion of God’s Holy Spirit. Ensure you continue to receive the spiritual nourishment you need by faithfully seeking God in your daily quiet time, weekly worship and small group Bible study, as well as in a relationship of support and accountability with a mentor who really knows you.

Nonetheless, even with the best intentions, the grind of rotating shifts, unplanned overtime or even a small-scale disaster can easily shred your plans and make it hard to get back on track. As you work to reestablish your routine, give God every opportunity to refresh you.

If you find yourself in a place of struggle, here’s a suggested prayer:

Gracious God, I know you love me. Lord Jesus Christ, I know you died for me. Holy Spirit, I know you are here with me. Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on me in my weakness and revive my heart, that I may once again feel the joy of your grace, the power of your mercy and the depth of your peace that passes understanding in my life today. Amen.

May God answer that prayer and bless you abundantly as you continue to serve Him!