God’s Grace for TodayShembull

Renewed Strength

Praise the Lord . . . . He fills my life with good things. -Psalm 103:1, 5

Psychiatrist Robert Coles once noticed a pattern in those who burn out. The first warning sign is weariness. Next comes cynicism about things ever improving, then bitterness, despair, depression, and finally burnout.

After writing a book about recovering from broken dreams, I entered a busy season of conference speaking. Helping people find hope after disappointment was richly rewarding, but came at a cost. One day, about to step on stage, I thought I was going to faint. I hadn’t slept well, a vacation hadn’t fixed my weariness, and the thought of hearing another person’s problems afterward filled me with dread. I was following Coles’ pattern.

Scripture gives two strategies for beating burnout. In Isaiah 40, the weary soul is renewed when it hopes in God (vv. 29-31). I needed to rest in Him, trusting Him to work, rather than pushing on in my own dwindling strength. And Psalm 103 says God renews us by satisfying our desires with good things (v. 5). While this includes forgiveness and redemption (vv. 3-4), provisions of joy and play come from Him too. When I began to include more prayer, worship, rest, and hobbies in my life, I began to feel healthy again.

Burnout begins with weariness. We can stop it from going further when our lives include both worship and rest. Sheridan Voysey

What burdens do you need to offload to God right now? How are you renewing your strength through prayer, Scripture, and healthy play?

Loving God, I want to rise in strength like the eagle today. I trust You to work in my situation as I receive Your soul-filling gifts with gladness.