UNPACK This...Giving Our Best With Rest and Health Sample

"I'm Burnt Right Now"

In Game Seven of a 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, LeBron James dropped 45 points (while adding nine rebounds and seven assists) in leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 105-101 victory. With a similar stat line in Game Five (44-10-8), LeBron was worn out after the series ended.

When asked in a press conference about the next matchup, LeBron said, “I’m burnt right now. I’m not thinking about Toronto right now until tomorrow. I’m ready to go home, can we? I mean, I’m tired, I wanna go home.”

We may not be dropping 45 points in a playoff game, but we all know the feeling of being burned out, tired, and wanting to go home after maxing out our energy and facing another “series” right away.

LeBron had the right idea not thinking about Toronto until he first went home to rest, relax, re-energize, and become rejuvenated. Likewise, we could benefit from this approach by not moving on to the next task or activity when feeling completely drained.

How often do we attempt to keep going with effectiveness and energy when we’re worn out, burned out, and running on empty? Instead of choosing to rest and slow down, we make the excuse that we must keep pushing ahead if we’re going to do our best.

But Jesus shows us the importance of pulling away and getting refreshed when speaking to His disciples in Mark 6:30-32: “The apostles returned to Jesus and told Him all that they had done and taught. And He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.”

As we continue working hard and doing amazing things for the Lord, let’s make sure we stop and relax. Before taking on the next task He gives us, let’s remember our deepest renewal is in Jesus. Only through Him can we experience the kind of rest needed to remain at our best.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray I’d stop running on empty and willingly pull away to rest. Please provide opportunities for me to get re-energized and refreshed, and help me serve You well with a rejuvenated spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.